ESPN Revisits 'The Philly Special' Super Bowl Miracle

The '30 for 30' documentary looks back on the Eagles' audacious play that won them the 2018 Super Bowl.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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ESPN's latest '30 for 30' documentary, 'The Philly Special,' revisits the iconic play that helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the 2018 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. The film features interviews with key players like quarterback Nick Foles, running back Corey Clement, tight end Trey Burton, center Jason Kelce, and head coach Doug Pederson, who all contributed to the now-legendary 'Philly Special' trick play that stunned the Patriots and football fans around the world.

Why it matters

The 'Philly Special' has become one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, showcasing the Eagles' creativity, grit, and willingness to take risks in the biggest moment. For Philadelphia fans, the play represents a long-awaited championship after decades of heartbreak, while for the NFL, it demonstrated the enduring excitement and unpredictability that makes the sport so compelling.

The details

The 'Philly Special' involved a complex series of handoffs and passes, with backup quarterback Nick Foles catching a touchdown pass from tight end Trey Burton on a fourth-down play late in the first half. The unorthodox call by head coach Doug Pederson caught the Patriots' defense off guard and helped the underdog Eagles take a lead they would not relinquish, ultimately winning their first Super Bowl title.

  • The 'Philly Special' play occurred during Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018.
  • The ESPN '30 for 30' documentary 'The Philly Special' premiered on February 5, 2026.

The players

Nick Foles

The Eagles' backup quarterback who caught the touchdown pass on the 'Philly Special' play.

Corey Clement

The Eagles' backup running back who was involved in executing the 'Philly Special' trick play.

Trey Burton

The Eagles' quarterback-turned-tight-end who threw the touchdown pass to Nick Foles on the 'Philly Special'.

Jason Kelce

The Eagles' center who was a key blocker on the 'Philly Special' play.

Doug Pederson

The Eagles' head coach who called the audacious 'Philly Special' play that helped win the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“You want Philly Philly?”

— Nick Foles, Quarterback

“We're Philadelphia sports fans. We don't get nice things.”

— Anonymous Eagles fan

“[Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are] first-ballot hall-of-famers.”

— Sal Paolantonio, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The documentary 'The Philly Special' is expected to generate renewed interest in the Eagles' historic Super Bowl victory and the lasting impact of the iconic play.

The takeaway

The 'Philly Special' play exemplified the Eagles' fearlessness, creativity, and team-first mentality that propelled them to their first Super Bowl championship. For Philadelphia fans, it was a long-awaited moment of triumph that will be remembered for generations.