Introduction
Zach Ertz has spent more than a decade establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends. From his early success at Stanford to his memorable Super Bowl touchdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, his career has included major achievements, difficult injuries and several important comebacks.
Born on November 10, 1990, Ertz entered the NFL in 2013 after Philadelphia selected him 35th overall in the second round. He quickly became an important part of the Eagles’ offense and eventually earned three Pro Bowl selections.
After playing for Philadelphia, the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders, Ertz returned to the Eagles in September 2026. The reunion came after he spent the offseason recovering from a serious knee injury suffered during the 2025 season.
This article covers Zach Ertz’s background, NFL career, statistics, Super Bowl achievement, family life, contract history and latest comeback.
Who Is Zach Ertz?
Zach Ertz is an American professional football tight end known for his reliable hands, route-running ability and consistency as a pass catcher.
He played college football at Stanford, where he developed into one of the top tight ends in college football. The Cardinals’ official profile lists him at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, while Stanford’s earlier roster listed him at 6-foot-6 during his college career.
Philadelphia selected Ertz with the 35th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent more than eight seasons with the Eagles before a 2021 trade sent him to Arizona.
Over the course of his career, Ertz became known for doing more than simply catching short passes. His size allowed quarterbacks to target him over the middle and in the red zone, while his route-running helped him create separation against linebackers and defensive backs.
Zach Ertz’s Early Life and College Career
Ertz was born in Orange, California, and grew up in the Danville area. He attended Monte Vista High School, where he became a highly regarded football prospect. Stanford’s official biography also notes that he played basketball during high school.
His family had a strong connection to sports. His father, Douglas Ertz, played football at Lehigh University, while Ertz’s uncle David played baseball at the University of Vermont.
At Stanford, Ertz developed into an outstanding receiving tight end. His 2012 season was particularly impressive, as he recorded 69 receptions for 898 yards, both school records for a Stanford tight end at the time. He also became a unanimous All-American.
One of the defining moments of his college career came against Oregon. Ertz caught 11 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown that helped Stanford force overtime against the Ducks in a dramatic 2012 matchup.
His production and versatility made him an attractive NFL prospect.
NFL Draft and Philadelphia Eagles Career
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ertz in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 35th overall pick.
He immediately became part of the team’s long-term plans at tight end. During his rookie season, Ertz appeared in all 16 regular-season games and finished with 36 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns.
His numbers steadily improved during the following seasons.
By 2015, he had 75 catches for 853 yards. In 2016, he followed that with 78 receptions and 816 yards. The production continued to rise as Ertz became a larger part of Philadelphia’s passing attack.
His breakout season came in 2018.
Ertz caught 116 passes for 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns. The 116 receptions established an NFL single-season record for a tight end at that time, a mark that has since been surpassed.
His 2018 performance also demonstrated why he became such an important target. Rather than relying mainly on big plays, Ertz consistently moved the chains and gave his quarterbacks a dependable option on third downs and in the red zone.
Zach Ertz and Super Bowl LII
One of the biggest moments of Zach Ertz’s career came during Super Bowl LII.
The Eagles faced the New England Patriots in Minneapolis, and Philadelphia entered the game trying to win its first Super Bowl. Ertz played a major role in the dramatic contest.
Late in the fourth quarter, he caught a touchdown pass from Nick Foles that gave Philadelphia a 38-33 lead. The Eagles held on to win the game and capture the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
The touchdown became one of the most recognizable plays in Eagles history. Ertz caught the pass, fought through contact and reached the end zone, completing a drive that put Philadelphia ahead with just over two minutes remaining.
For Ertz, the championship was more than another personal achievement. It became the defining team accomplishment of his NFL career.
Three Pro Bowl Selections
Ertz earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017 through 2019. That stretch represented the strongest statistical period of his Philadelphia career.
His production during those three seasons was substantial:
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 74 | 824 | 8 |
| 2018 | 116 | 1,163 | 8 |
| 2019 | 88 | 916 | 6 |
The numbers show how consistently Ertz contributed as a receiver. His 2018 campaign stands out, but his surrounding seasons also placed him among the NFL’s most productive tight ends.
The NFL’s career statistics list shows that Ertz has accumulated 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns through the 2025 season.
Trade to the Arizona Cardinals
Ertz’s long run in Philadelphia eventually ended during the 2021 season.
The Eagles traded him to the Arizona Cardinals in October 2021. Before the trade, he had spent more than eight seasons with Philadelphia and had become one of the most accomplished tight ends in franchise history.
The move gave Ertz a fresh opportunity in Arizona.
He finished the 2021 season with 56 receptions for 574 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with the Cardinals. He followed that with 47 catches, 406 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.
His time in Arizona was affected by injuries and missed games. He appeared in only seven games during the 2023 season, recording 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown.
Although the Arizona chapter was less productive than his peak Philadelphia years, it extended his career and gave him another opportunity to play a significant role.
Zach Ertz With the Washington Commanders
Ertz joined the Washington Commanders in 2024, reuniting with head coach Kliff Kingsbury, whom he had previously known from his time in Arizona.
The move worked well for Ertz.
In 2024, he started all 17 games and recorded 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. The Commanders later re-signed him in March 2025.
His 2024 season was particularly notable because he played a full 17-game schedule and remained an important target in Washington’s offense.
In 2025, Ertz recorded 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He missed four games during the season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in December.
Zach Ertz’s 2025 Knee Injury
Ertz suffered a major knee injury during Washington’s December 7, 2025, game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The injury involved his ACL and LCL and ended his 2025 season. At 35 years old, the injury created uncertainty about whether he would continue playing professional football.
Rather than immediately ending his career, Ertz committed to rehabilitation and a potential return.
The process took several months. NFL.com reported in 2026 that Ertz planned to continue playing and expected to be medically cleared around Week 1 of the 2026 season, roughly nine months after the injury.
His determination eventually led to another chapter in Philadelphia.
Zach Ertz Returns to Philadelphia in 2026
In September 2026, Zach Ertz returned to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles signed him to their practice squad on September 22 after he had spent the offseason as a free agent while recovering from his knee injury.
The reunion carried plenty of meaning because Ertz had spent the most important years of his career in Philadelphia.
The Eagles described him as one of the greatest players in franchise history. He returned wearing No. 86, the same number he wore during his first stint with the team.
The timing also created a practical opportunity. Philadelphia tight end Dallas Goedert was dealing with a knee injury, giving the team a reason to bring an experienced tight end back into the building.
After practicing with the team, Ertz was elevated for Philadelphia’s Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears on September 28, 2026. It marked his first NFL appearance since his knee injury in December 2025.
In that game, Ertz recorded one reception for nine yards on two targets. The Eagles lost 27-7 to Chicago.
For Ertz, however, simply getting back onto an NFL field represented another milestone in his long career.
Zach Ertz Career Statistics
Ertz’s career numbers explain why he remains an important name among modern NFL tight ends.
Through the 2025 regular season, he had played 181 games and recorded 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns.
Here is a simplified look at his career by team:
| Team | Seasons | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2013–2021 | 597* | 6,363* | 42* |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2021–2023 | 130 | 1,167 | 8 |
| Washington Commanders | 2024–2025 | 116 | 1,158 | 11 |
| Career through 2025 | — | 825 | 8,592 | 57 |
*Career totals can vary depending on whether postseason statistics are included and how the 2021 season is divided between teams. NFL’s official career database lists 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns through 2025.
The larger historical picture is equally notable. NFL.com reported after the 2025 season that Ertz ranked fifth all time among tight ends in receptions, eighth in receiving yards and 11th in touchdown receptions.
What Makes Zach Ertz Effective?
Ertz built his career around several qualities rather than one spectacular physical trait.
His size helped him create mismatches, especially against smaller defensive backs. At the same time, his route-running allowed him to find open areas against linebackers.
Another important part of his game has been reliability.
Quarterbacks have often trusted Ertz on third down, near the goal line and in situations where gaining a few yards matters more than producing a huge play. That role became especially valuable as he moved into the later stages of his career.
His experience also became an asset. Even as his athletic profile changed with age, his understanding of defensive coverages and route concepts helped him remain useful.
Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz
Zach Ertz is married to Julie Ertz, the former U.S. women’s national soccer team star.
The couple met in 2012 while Zach was playing football at Stanford and Julie was attending Santa Clara University and playing soccer. They began dating in 2013, became engaged in 2016 and married in 2017.
Their relationship has attracted attention because both built successful careers in professional sports.
Julie won major honors with the U.S. national team and became one of the most recognizable American soccer players of her generation. She retired from professional soccer in 2023.
Together, Zach and Julie also established the Ertz Family Foundation in 2018. The organization focuses on helping young people through sports, education and related opportunities.
Zach Ertz’s Children
Zach and Julie Ertz have three sons.
Their first child, Madden Matthew, was born in 2022. In August 2024, the couple announced the arrival of twin sons, Kace and Kyren.
Family has remained an important part of Ertz’s life during his NFL career.
During his recovery from the 2025 knee injury, he credited Julie and their three sons with providing motivation as he worked toward returning to football. The Eagles reported that he wanted his children to see an example of perseverance when facing difficult situations.
Zach Ertz Net Worth
There is no universally verified public figure for Zach Ertz’s current net worth.
Professional athletes can have income from NFL contracts, bonuses, endorsements, investments and other sources, while many private financial details are not publicly disclosed. For that reason, online net-worth figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed facts.
What is publicly documented is that Ertz has earned substantial income during a career spanning more than a decade in the NFL. His contracts with Philadelphia, Arizona and Washington formed the main source of his professional football earnings.
His financial picture also changed over time as he moved from a young second-round draft pick to an established veteran.
Zach Ertz Contract and Salary
Contract details have varied throughout Ertz’s career.
When he joined the Washington Commanders in 2024, the team did not disclose the full terms of his contract in its official announcement. Washington later re-signed him in March 2025, again without publicly announcing the full terms.
Salary databases can provide estimates and reported contract figures, but those numbers should not automatically be treated as equivalent to total personal income or net worth.
The same caution applies to his 2026 status. After his Washington contract ended, Ertz became a free agent while recovering from his knee injury before returning to Philadelphia.
Zach Ertz’s Legacy With the Eagles
Ertz left Philadelphia in 2021 as one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history.
The Eagles reported in September 2026 that his 579 regular-season receptions for Philadelphia ranked second in franchise history behind Harold Carmichael’s 589. His 6,267 receiving yards ranked fifth among Eagles players, while his 38 touchdowns ranked fourth at the time of his return.
His 2018 season remains another major part of that legacy.
The 116 receptions he recorded that year established a team record for a single season and an NFL record for tight ends at the time.
Then there is the Super Bowl catch.
That touchdown against New England permanently connected Ertz’s name with the first championship in Eagles history. His return in 2026 therefore represented more than adding another veteran to the roster; it reunited the franchise with one of its most recognizable players from the Super Bowl era.
What Comes Next for Zach Ertz?
Ertz’s future remains closely connected to his health and his role with Philadelphia.
After returning to the Eagles’ practice squad in September 2026, he was elevated for the Week 3 matchup against Chicago. His appearance showed that his comeback had moved from rehabilitation to actual NFL game action.
At 35, Ertz is no longer being asked to replicate the production of his 2018 peak. His value now comes from experience, route awareness, dependable hands and familiarity with the game.
The Eagles also know exactly what they are getting from a player who spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career in Philadelphia.
Whether this final chapter becomes a short comeback or another extended season, Ertz has already built a career that ranks among the notable tight-end careers of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Ertz
1. How old is Zach Ertz?
Zach Ertz was born on November 10, 1990. He turned 35 in November 2025 and is set to turn 36 in November 2026.
2. What team does Zach Ertz play for in 2026?
Ertz returned to the Philadelphia Eagles in September 2026. The team initially signed him to its practice squad before elevating him for the Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears.
3. How many Pro Bowls has Zach Ertz made?
Ertz has been selected to three Pro Bowls. His selections came in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
4. Did Zach Ertz win a Super Bowl?
Yes. Ertz won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season. He caught the go-ahead touchdown in Philadelphia’s 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.
5. How many children do Zach and Julie Ertz have?
Zach and Julie Ertz have three sons: Madden, Kace and Kyren. The twins, Kace and Kyren, were born in August 2024.
Conclusion
Zach Ertz has built his NFL career through consistency, preparation and longevity. From his standout years at Stanford to his 2013 draft selection, three Pro Bowl appearances and Super Bowl-winning touchdown, he has created a résumé that extends well beyond one memorable play.
His career has also included trades, injuries and the challenge of adapting as he entered his 30s. His successful seasons with Arizona and Washington showed that he could remain productive outside Philadelphia.
The 2026 return to Philadelphia adds another chapter to the story. After a serious knee injury threatened to end his career, Zach Ertz worked his way back and returned to the Eagles, the team where he established himself as one of the NFL’s most accomplished tight ends.
For readers searching for Zach Ertz, his career offers a useful reminder that NFL success is not measured only by peak statistics. Longevity, adaptability, team contributions and the ability to return from setbacks have all played a role in defining his place in football history.
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