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 football tight end currently playing for the Washington Commanders. Prior to this he played for the Philadelphia Eagles for nine seasons, where he achieved significant success, including winning Super Bowl LII and earning three Pro Bowl selections. While with the Eagles, he set the NFL record for the most receptions in a single season by a tight end. Before turning professional, Ertz played college football at Stanford University, where he earned All-American honors. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions.

Sections (4)

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

2009: Redshirted season

In 2009, Zach Ertz redshirted his 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 played in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech.

2011: Season impacted by injury

In 2011, Zach Ertz had 27 receptions, 343 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns, despite missing three games due to a knee injury. He also played in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.

2012: Declared for NFL draft

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

2012: All-American honors

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

2012: Played for the Cardinal

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

January 8, 2013: Announced entry to 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's pro day

On March 24, 2013, Zach Ertz attended Stanford's pro day, improving his numbers in various drills, including the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, 10-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump.

May 9, 2013: Signed with the 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 Philadelphia Eagles, finishing with one reception for 38 yards in the game against the Denver Broncos.

December 1, 2013: First game with multiple touchdowns

On December 1, 2013, Zach Ertz made five catches for a season-high 68 receiving yards and two touchdowns during a 24–21 win against the Arizona Cardinals. It marked his first career game with multiple touchdown receptions.

2013: Drafted by the Eagles

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

January 4, 2014: First playoff game

On January 4, 2014, Zach Ertz appeared in his first career playoff game and made three receptions for 22 yards and caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Foles in the Eagles' 26–24 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Round.

December 20, 2014: Career high receptions

On December 20, 2014, Zach Ertz caught a career-high 15 receptions for 115 receiving yards during a 27–24 loss at the Washington Redskins in Week 16.

December 22, 2015: Season-high in receptions

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 Fired Head Coach

On December 29, 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles fired head coach Chip Kelly after their loss to Washington. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was named interim coach for the season's final game, a 35–30 victory at the New York Giants in which Ertz had nine receptions for a career-high 152 yards.

January 25, 2016: Signed contract extension with Eagles

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

December 12, 2016: 10 receptions vs. Washington 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: Touchdown against the 49ers

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. He also sustained a hamstring injury during the game.

December 19, 2017: Named to his first 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: NFC Championship victory

On January 21, 2018, Zach Ertz made his first career start in the playoffs and caught eight passes for 93 yards during a 38–7 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 and caught the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter to help the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41–33, winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

2018: Pro Bowl Selection and Record Breaking Season

In 2018, Zach Ertz was named to the Pro Bowl after breaking Jason Witten's NFL record for most receptions by a tight end with 113. He finished the season with 116 receptions, 1,163 yards, and eight touchdowns. The Eagles made it to the playoffs where Ertz had 5 receptions for 52 yards against the Chicago Bears and 5 receptions for 50 yards against the New Orleans Saints.

2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2018, Zach Ertz was ranked 68th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

2019: 2019 Season Performance and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2019, Zach Ertz had a season high of 9 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears. Against the Seattle Seahawks, he caught 12 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. He caught 9 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown, against the New York Giants. Overall in the 2019 season, Ertz finished with 88 receptions for 916 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also earned a Pro Bowl nomination for his performance.

October 15, 2021: Traded to 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.