Clemson's Play Call Inspires Super Bowl's Greatest Moment

How a 2012 conversation between coaches led to the iconic 'Philly Special' play in Super Bowl LII

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:55pm

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In 2012, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris and high school coach Hunter Spivey discussed a two-point conversion play called 'Detroit' that Spivey had successfully used. Morris was intrigued and had Spivey explain the play in detail, even drawing it up on a napkin. Though Morris never ran the play that season, Clemson installed it and practiced it regularly. Years later, the Philadelphia Eagles ran a version of the play, dubbed the 'Philly Special,' in Super Bowl LII, which became one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history.

Why it matters

The story of the 'Philly Special' play's origins at Clemson highlights how innovative ideas can spread through the coaching community and ultimately make their way to the biggest stage in sports. It also shows the importance of being open to new concepts, even from unexpected sources, and the value of taking the time to fully understand a play before deploying it.

The details

In 2012, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris and high school coach Hunter Spivey discussed a two-point conversion play called 'Detroit' that Spivey had successfully used. The play involved a direct snap to the running back. Intrigued, Morris had Spivey explain the play in detail and even draw it up on a napkin. Though Morris never ran the play that season, Clemson installed it and practiced it regularly, waiting for the right moment to use it.

  • In 2012, Spivey first used the 'Detroit' play.
  • In 2012, Spivey explained the 'Detroit' play to Morris.
  • In 2012, Clemson ran the 'Detroit' play against Georgia Tech.
  • In 2015, the New England Patriots ran a version of the play called 'Clemson' against the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • In Super Bowl LII in 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles ran the 'Philly Special' play, a version of the 'Detroit' play, for a crucial touchdown.

The players

Chad Morris

Clemson's offensive coordinator in 2012 who learned about the 'Detroit' play from high school coach Hunter Spivey.

Hunter Spivey

A high school football coach who first used the 'Detroit' play in 2011 and later explained it to Chad Morris.

Tajh Boyd

Clemson's quarterback in 2012 who executed the 'Detroit' play in a game against Georgia Tech.

Nick Foles

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who executed the 'Philly Special' play in Super Bowl LII.

Doug Pederson

The Philadelphia Eagles head coach who called the 'Philly Special' play in Super Bowl LII.

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What they’re saying

“Without drawing it up, you know how football coaches are, you will forget it. You have to draw it up. You have to get it on the board. Well, there was no board around so what better thing to do, then to draw it up on a napkin.”

— Hunter Spivey, High school football coach

“Basically, it is a play that is kind of a one-shot deal. You knew you could run it about once a year at the most. So, it was something that ever since we put it in, we practiced it every week and really just kind of held it for the right moment, whether it was in a big game, to win a game or a big two-point play.”

— Jeff Scott, Former Clemson co-offensive coordinator

“Right when quarterback Nick Foles walked towards the offensive line and started checking off a crucial fourth-and-goal play from the New England one-yard line, Spivey knew what was about to happen.”

— Hunter Spivey, High school football coach

What’s next

The 'Philly Special' play has become a part of Super Bowl lore, and its origins at Clemson will likely continue to be discussed and analyzed by football fans and analysts for years to come.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of collaboration and open-mindedness in football coaching. By sharing innovative ideas, even between coaches at different levels, new plays and strategies can emerge that can ultimately make their way to the biggest stages in the sport.