Last week, coach Chip Kelly confirmed that Nick Foles will remain the Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. On Monday, Kelly made it clear that Foles is also his quarterback of the future.
"He's the starting quarterback for the next 1,000 years here," Kelly said, via NFL Media's Albert Breer.
Kelly's tongue-in-cheek answer was the latest in his series of sarcastic quips in response to questions about his quarterback situation. He's also one of the few NFL head coaches to publicly acknowledge that all football decisions are fluid.
Kelly made sure to qualify that Foles is the starter as long as he can stay healthy.
"I hope Nick is here for a long time," Kelly added on WIP-FM, via CSN Philly. "I'm a big supporter of him, I think he does a fantastic job, but we also know that injuries occur in this game, and that's why I always qualify what I say. I love the kid and I think he's playing outstanding."
Foles leads the NFL with a 125.2 passer rating. With one more touchdown pass, he will tie Peyton Manning's NFL record for most touchdowns without an interception to open a season.
As Josh Freeman discovered early this season, and Jay Cutler might soon find out for the second time in his career, "quarterback of the future" is a fleeting title. Foles is wearing it with pride right now, but both quarterback and coach understand circumstances can change at a moment's notice.
"If I'm wrong next week," Kelly said, "then I'm wrong next week."
*The latest "Around the League Podcast" recapped every Week 13 game. *
