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 gained prominence playing college football for Stanford, where he earned 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.
2009: Redshirted at Stanford
In 2009, Zach Ertz redshirted his first season at Stanford University.
2010: Played 13 games and had 16 catches
In 2010, Zach Ertz played 13 games for Stanford, recording 16 catches, 190 yards, and five touchdowns.
2011: Suffered Knee Injury
In 2011, Zach Ertz had 27 receptions for 343 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and missed three games due to a knee injury.
2012: Entered NFL Draft
After the 2012 season, Zach Ertz announced he would enter the NFL Draft.
2012: Earned Unanimous All-American Honors
In 2012, Zach Ertz earned unanimous All-American honors while playing college football for the Stanford Cardinal.
2012: Played football for the Cardinal
Zach Ertz played football for the Cardinal until 2012 at Stanford University.
January 8, 2013: Announced Decision to Enter NFL Draft
On January 8, 2013, Zach Ertz announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
March 24, 2013: Attended Stanford's Pro Day
On March 24, 2013, Zach Ertz attended Stanford's Pro Day, improving his numbers in several drills.
May 9, 2013: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles
On May 9, 2013, Zach Ertz signed a four-year, $5.37 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
September 29, 2013: First Career Start
On September 29, 2013, Zach Ertz earned his first career start with the Eagles against the Denver Broncos.
December 1, 2013: Multiple Touchdown Game Against Cardinals
On December 1, 2013, Zach Ertz had his first career game with multiple touchdown receptions during a win against the Arizona Cardinals.
2013: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles
In 2013, Zach Ertz was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL draft.
2013: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles
In 2013, Zach Ertz was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 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, catching a touchdown pass in a loss to the New Orleans Saints.
December 20, 2014: Career High in Receptions
On December 20, 2014, Zach Ertz caught a career-high 15 receptions for 115 receiving yards in a loss to the Washington Redskins.
December 22, 2015: Caught a season-high 13 passes
On December 22, 2015, Zach Ertz caught a season-high 13 passes for 122 receiving yards in the Eagles' loss to the Washington Redskins.
January 25, 2016: Signed Contract Extension
On January 25, 2016, Zach Ertz signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.
December 12, 2016: Ten Receptions Against Redskins
On December 12, 2016, Zach Ertz made ten receptions for 112 receiving yards in the Eagles' loss against the Washington Redskins.
October 29, 2017: Caught a touchdown pass
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.
January 21, 2018: First Career Start in the Playoffs
On January 21, 2018, Zach Ertz made his first career start in the playoffs during the NFC Championship game against the Minnesota Vikings.
February 4, 2018: Won Super Bowl LII
On February 4, 2018, Zach Ertz started in Super Bowl LII and caught the game-winning touchdown, helping the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41-33.
2018: Broke NFL Record for Most Receptions by a Tight End
In 2018, Zach Ertz broke Jason Witten's NFL record for most receptions by a tight end with 113, finishing the season with 116 receptions, 1,163 yards, and eight touchdowns.
October 15, 2021: Traded to Arizona Cardinals
On October 15, 2021, Zach Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round draft selection.
March 13, 2022: Signed contract extension with Cardinals
On March 13, 2022, Zach Ertz signed a three-year, $31.65 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals.
January 22, 2024: Signed with Detroit Lions practice squad
On January 22, 2024, Zach Ertz signed with the Detroit Lions practice squad due to an injury to Brock Wright.
January 28, 2024: Contract expired with Lions
On January 28, 2024, Zach Ertz's contract with the Detroit Lions expired following the end of the team's season.
March 12, 2024: Signed with Washington Commanders
On March 12, 2024, Zach Ertz signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.