Career Timeline of Zach Ertz: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Zach Ertz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Zach Ertz is a professional American football tight end currently playing for the Washington Commanders. He previously played college football at Stanford, earning All-American honors. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, he spent nine seasons with the team, achieving three Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl LII. Ertz holds the NFL record for most receptions in a season by a tight end. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the NFL.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Redshirted at Stanford

In 2009, Zach Ertz redshirted his first season at Stanford University.

2010: First College Season

In 2010, Zach Ertz played 13 games for Stanford, recording 16 catches for 190 yards and five touchdowns. He also had two receptions in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech.

2011: Season impacted by Knee Injury

In 2011, Zach Ertz had 27 receptions, 343 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns, despite missing three games due to a knee injury.

2012: Declared for NFL Draft

After the 2012 season, Zach Ertz announced that he would enter the NFL draft.

2012: Played for the Cardinal

From 2009 to 2012, Zach Ertz played football for the Stanford Cardinal.

2012: All-American Honors

In 2012, Zach Ertz earned unanimous All-American honors while playing college football for the Stanford Cardinal.

January 8, 2013: Declared for the 2013 NFL Draft

On January 8, 2013, Zach Ertz announced his decision to enter the 2013 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior season at Stanford.

March 24, 2013: Stanford Pro Day Performance

On March 24, 2013, Zach Ertz attended Stanford's pro day, improving his times in the 40-yard dash (4.67s), 20-yard dash (2.74s), 10-yard dash (1.64s), vertical jump (35.5"), and broad jump (9'6").

May 9, 2013: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

On May 9, 2013, Zach Ertz signed a four-year, $5.37 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $3.65 million guaranteed and a $2.29 million signing bonus.

September 29, 2013: First Career Start

On September 29, 2013, Zach Ertz earned his first career start for the Eagles, finishing with one reception for 38 yards in a loss to the Denver Broncos.

December 1, 2013: Multiple Touchdown Game

On December 1, 2013, Zach Ertz had five catches for 68 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the Eagles' 24-21 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

2013: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles

In 2013, Zach Ertz was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL draft.

2013: Drafted by the Eagles

In 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Zach Ertz in the second round (35th overall) of the NFL draft.

January 4, 2014: First Playoff Game

On January 4, 2014, Zach Ertz appeared in his first career playoff game, making three receptions for 22 yards and catching a seven-yard touchdown pass in the Eagles' loss to the New Orleans Saints.

December 20, 2014: Career-High Receptions

On December 20, 2014, Zach Ertz caught a career-high 15 receptions for 115 receiving yards during a loss to the Washington Redskins.

November 22, 2015: Concussion Injury

On November 22, 2015, Zach Ertz sustained a concussion during the Eagles' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sidelining him for the following week.

December 22, 2015: Season-High Receiving Yards

On December 22, 2015, Zach Ertz caught a season-high 13 passes for 122 receiving yards in the Eagles' loss to the Washington Redskins.

December 29, 2015: Eagles Fire Head Coach

On December 29, 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles fired head coach Chip Kelly after their loss to Washington, and Zach Ertz had a career-high 152 yards in the following game.

January 25, 2016: Contract Extension

On January 25, 2016, Zach Ertz signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.

December 12, 2016: 10 Receptions

On December 12, 2016, Zach Ertz made ten receptions for 112 receiving yards in the Eagles' loss against the Washington Redskins.

October 29, 2017: Touchdown Catch

On October 29, 2017, Zach Ertz caught four passes for 34 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' win against the San Francisco 49ers.

December 3, 2017: Concussion Against Seahawks

On December 3, 2017, Zach Ertz sustained a concussion during the Eagles' loss to the Seattle Seahawks, sidelining him for the following game.

December 19, 2017: Named to Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Zach Ertz was named to his first Pro Bowl, but was unable to participate due to the Eagles' playoff success.

January 21, 2018: First Playoff Start

On January 21, 2018, Zach Ertz made his first career start in the playoffs, catching eight passes for 93 yards during a victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship.

February 4, 2018: Super Bowl LII Victory

On February 4, 2018, Zach Ertz started in Super Bowl LII, catching seven passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.

2018: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2018, Zach Ertz had a strong season with the Eagles, breaking Jason Witten's NFL record for most receptions by a tight end with 113. He ended the season with 116 receptions, 1,163 yards, and eight touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. The Eagles made it to the playoffs, but lost in the Divisional Round to the Saints.

2019: Pro Bowl Nomination

In the 2019 season, Zach Ertz finished with 88 receptions for 916 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl nomination.

December 2, 2020: Activated from Injured Reserve

On December 2, 2020, Zach Ertz was activated from injured reserve.

October 15, 2021: Traded to the Arizona Cardinals

On October 15, 2021, Zach Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft.