When Did the Eagles Win Their First Super Bowl?

By Sarah Miller · June 13, 2043

The Philadelphia Eagles won their first Super Bowl on February 4, 2018, defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII. This victory marked the franchise's first Super Bowl win in its 85-year history, culminating in a historic performance highlighted by the iconic "Philly Special" trick play.

History of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl Journey

Prior to their 2018 triumph, the Philadelphia Eagles had appeared in four previous NFC Championship games and two Super Bowls, but came up short each time. Their long pursuit of a Super Bowl title became one of the most talked-about droughts in NFL history.

Key Moments Leading to Super Bowl LII

The Eagles finished the 2017 regular season with a 13-3 record, securing the top seed in the NFC.
Carson Wentz, the starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 14, leading to Nick Foles taking over.
Foles led the team through the playoffs, delivering clutch performances against the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LII, facing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots—their third meeting in a Super Bowl since 2005.

Super Bowl LII: A Record-Breaking Showdown

Super Bowl LII, held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was one of the most offensively explosive games in NFL history. The Eagles and Patriots combined for a Super Bowl-record 1,151 total yards.

Game Highlights

The Eagles opened strong, scoring a touchdown on their first drive.
The pivotal moment came just before halftime with the "Philly Special"—a trick play where tight end Trey Burton threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles.
Despite Brady’s efforts, including a fourth-quarter comeback attempt, the Eagles defense secured key stops.
Nick Foles caught a touchdown, threw for another, and was named Super Bowl MVP.

Statistic	Philadelphia Eagles	New England Patriots
Final Score	41	33
Total Yards	538	613
Passing Yards	373	505
Rushing Yards	165	108
Time of Possession	34:06	25:54
Third Down Efficiency	7/13 (53.8%)	9/14 (64.3%)
Turnovers	1	2

Table data source:1, 2

The Eagles dominated time of possession and balanced their attack effectively, despite allowing more total yards than any team in Super Bowl history. Their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on red zone opportunities proved decisive. The turnover margin and critical defensive stands in the fourth quarter sealed their first championship.

Legacy of the First Eagles Super Bowl Win

Winning Super Bowl LII transformed the Eagles’ legacy from perennial underdogs to champions. The victory sparked massive celebrations across Philadelphia and solidified Nick Foles as a franchise legend, despite being a backup.

Cultural Impact

The "Philly Special" became an instant cultural icon, celebrated annually during the city's Super Bowl parade.
The win ended a 52-year major sports championship drought for Philadelphia teams.
Foles joined an elite group of players to win Super Bowl MVP as a backup quarterback.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eagles' First Super Bowl Win

When did the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl?

The Philadelphia Eagles won their first Super Bowl on February 4, 2018, defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.

Who was the MVP of Super Bowl LII?

Nick Foles, the Eagles' backup quarterback, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching a touchdown pass.

What was the "Philly Special"?

The "Philly Special" was a trick play executed just before halftime in Super Bowl LII, where receiver Corey Clement took a direct snap, lateraled to tight end Trey Burton, who then threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles.

Had the Eagles ever won a championship before Super Bowl LII?

Yes, the Eagles won three NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era (1948, 1949, 1960), but Super Bowl LII was their first victory in the Super Bowl era (since 1967).

How many times have the Eagles appeared in the Super Bowl?

As of 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles have appeared in four Super Bowls: Super Bowl XV (1981), Super Bowl XXXIX (2005), Super Bowl LII (2018), and Super Bowl LVII (2023). They have won one (LII) and lost three.