Cade Klubnik opens up on his relationship with Nick Foles

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik will look to take a step forward this upcoming season in his second year as the Tigers starter. Which he’ll do with the help and guidance of a former Super Bowl champion in his corner.

Former NFL quarterback Nick Foles retired earlier this month after playing 11 seasons in the league. An Austin, Texas native who also attended Westlake High School like Klubnik, serving as a mentor for the junior quarterback.

Klubnik reacted to Foles’ recent retirement during Clemson’s fall camp, poking fun at the 35-year-old who last played during the 2022 NFL season.

“Nick’s awesome, man. I mean one of the best dudes that I know in terms of just, you know, being a dude. I thought he retired a few years ago to be honest,” Klubnik joked. “No I’m just kidding, he would probably laugh that I said that.”

From transferring to Arizona from Michigan State, to suiting up for six different NFL teams for his career, Foles has seen all the highs and lows of a quarterback. Highlighted by helping lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LII win where he was named MVP.

“But it was cool to see him retire with the Eagles, that was really sweet,” Klubnik said. “And he helped me throughout the whole high school recruiting process, and all of high school, and my high school career, and whenever I got here and kind of how to come into a college program.”

There’s no question that Floes has plenty of knowledge and wisdom to share with a young quarterback like Klubnik, from the big-picture quarterback career advice to the small details that can go a long way.

“Called him a couple weeks ago just saying, ‘Hey, you got any tips on how to use a headset?'” Klubnik asked Foles ahead of college football’s new in-helmet communication being implemented. “And just stuff like that.”

“So when you have a guy like that who’s played the position that I played at the highest level you can possibly play and win on the biggest stage in the world, just really thankful to have a mentor like that, that has kind of stood in the fire like I have.”

Klubnik will look to apply his learned lessons and offseason preparation in a marquee Week 1 matchup this season. As Clemson takes on top-ranked Georgia in Atlanta to kick off the season on August 31 at noon ET on ABC.