Brief Introduction of Zach Ertz
Zachary Adam Ertz, widely known as Zach Ertz, is a highly respected and accomplished American professional football tight end. Born on November 10, 1990, he has carved out a distinguished career in the National Football League (NFL) known for his exceptional receiving skills and consistent performance. Ertz is celebrated for his pivotal role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory and currently plays for the Washington Commanders. His career journey, marked by numerous accolades and records, solidifies his status as one of the league’s prominent tight ends. Beyond the field, Ertz is recognized for his active personal life and significant philanthropic endeavors.
Zach Ertz Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachary Adam Ertz |
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1990 |
| Age (as of September 2025) | 34 years old |
| Birthplace | Orange, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player (Tight End) |
| Spouse | Julie Ertz (née Johnston) |
| Children | Madden Matthew Ertz (born August 2022) |
| Parents | Doug and Lisa Ertz |
| Siblings | Shane, Nick, and Jackson Ertz |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Approximately $25 million |
| Career Earnings (as of 2025) | Approximately $81 million |
Early Life and Education of Zach Ertz
Zachary Adam Ertz was born on November 10, 1990, in Orange, California, as the eldest of four children to Doug and Lisa Ertz. His father, Doug Ertz, had a background in football, having played for Lehigh University from 1981 to 1984. This athletic heritage significantly influenced Zach’s early interests. Growing up, Ertz attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California, where he quickly distinguished himself in both football and basketball. He played various positions on the football team, including quarterback, receiver, and safety, showcasing his versatility from a young age. Despite his natural talent in football, Ertz initially harbored a strong desire to play college basketball, a path he contemplated due to his advantageous height. However, his mother and high school coaches, including former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end Brent Jones, recognized his exceptional football potential and encouraged him to pursue it, ultimately convincing him that his innate skills were best suited for the gridiron.
Following his successful high school career, Ertz enrolled at Stanford University, where he continued to hone his football prowess. He redshirted his freshman year in 2009, gaining valuable experience and development before making his collegiate debut in 2010. During his time at Stanford, Ertz established himself as a dynamic tight end, excelling as both a blocker and a receiving threat. He was a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention selection, demonstrating his commitment to academics alongside athletics. Ertz pursued a major in Management Science and Engineering, maintaining a notable 3.4-grade point average. His collegiate career culminated in a unanimous All-American selection in 2012 and First-team All-Pac-12 honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the top tight ends in college football before he declared for the NFL Draft.
Zach Ertz’s Career
Collegiate Career at Stanford
Zach Ertz played college football for the Stanford Cardinal from 2009 to 2012, redshirting his first year. In 2010, he saw action in 13 games, recording 16 catches for 190 yards and five touchdowns, including a touchdown reception in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech. Despite missing three games due to a knee injury in 2011, Ertz managed 27 receptions for 343 receiving yards and four touchdowns, also finding the end zone in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State. His junior season in 2012 was a breakout year, where he led Stanford in receiving with 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns, both school records for a tight end. His stellar performance earned him unanimous All-American honors and a First-team All-Pac-12 selection, making him one of the most highly-rated tight end prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
NFL Career: Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2021)
Ertz declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round, 35th overall, of the 2013 NFL Draft. He was the second tight end taken in his class. On May 9, 2013, he signed a four-year, $5.37 million rookie contract. Over his nine seasons with the Eagles, Ertz became a cornerstone of their offense, known for his reliable hands and ability to make crucial catches. His consistent play led to three Pro Bowl selections from 2017 to 2019.
A career highlight came in Super Bowl LII in February 2018, where Ertz played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots, securing the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl title. He scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, a moment that cemented his place in Eagles’ history. In the 2018 season, Ertz set an NFL record for most receptions in a single season by a tight end, hauling in an impressive 116 catches for 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns. This performance also earned him his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod. He finished his Eagles career with 579 receptions for 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns in 123 games.
Arizona Cardinals (2021-2023)
In October 2021, Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a fifth-round draft pick. He quickly made an impact, finishing the 2021 season with 74 receptions for 763 yards and five touchdowns across his time with both the Eagles and Cardinals. In March 2022, Ertz signed a three-year, $31.65 million extension with the Cardinals, solidifying his role with the team. However, his 2022 season was cut short by a season-ending knee injury in Week 10, limiting him to 10 games where he recorded 47 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns. After appearing in seven games in the 2023 season with 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown, he was released by the Cardinals in late November 2023. He briefly joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad but did not see any game action.
Washington Commanders (2024-Present)
In March 2024, Ertz signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, marking his return to the NFC East. He re-signed with the Commanders in March 2025 on another one-year contract worth $6.25 million, with incentives potentially increasing it to $9 million. Ertz quickly became a significant veteran presence and a key target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In the 2024 season, he recorded 66 receptions for 654 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, including a game-winning score that helped clinch a playoff berth for the Commanders. His continued performance demonstrates his enduring value as an experienced and reliable tight end in the NFL.
Zach Ertz Personal Life & Family
Zach Ertz’s personal life is notably intertwined with his family, particularly his famous marriage to soccer star Julie Ertz (née Johnston). The couple met during their time at Stanford University and married on March 26, 2017. Their relationship is a prominent “power couple” narrative in professional sports, with both achieving significant success in their respective fields; Julie is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the U.S. Women’s National Team. On April 4, 2022, Zach and Julie announced they were expecting their first child, and their son, Madden Matthew Ertz, was born in August 2022.
Ertz is a proud Christian and comes from a close-knit family. He is the eldest of four boys; his younger brothers are Shane, Nick, and Jackson Ertz. After his parents’ divorce, Zach played an important role in his siblings’ upbringing, striving to stay close to home to support them and balance his studies with football. His father, Doug, played college football, and one of his younger brothers, Jackson, has also pursued an athletic path. The bond with his mother, Lisa, has been particularly highlighted, with Stanford University once featuring a piece on their supportive relationship. The Ertz family is a testament to strong familial ties and mutual support.
Awards and Achievements of Zach Ertz
Throughout his career, Zach Ertz has accumulated numerous awards and achievements, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL’s top tight ends.
- Super Bowl Champion (LII): 2018 (with Philadelphia Eagles)
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection: 2017, 2018, 2019
- NFL Record for Most Receptions in a Season by a Tight End: 116 receptions (2018)
- Ozzie Newsome Award: 2012
- Unanimous All-American: 2012 (College)
- First-team All-Pac-12: 2012 (College)
- Steinberg-DeNicola Humanitarian Award: 2019 (for charitable work)
Zach Ertz Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Zach Ertz’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $25 million. His substantial wealth has primarily been accumulated through his lucrative NFL contracts over more than a decade in the league. His career earnings through the 2025 season are estimated to exceed $81 million.
Ertz’s income sources include significant earnings from his various professional football contracts, notably his rookie deal with the Eagles, a five-year, $42.5 million extension signed in 2016, and subsequent contracts with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. His current one-year contract with the Commanders for the 2025 season is worth $6.25 million, with potential incentives up to $9 million based on performance. Beyond his playing salary, Ertz has diversified his income through various endorsement deals with well-known brands such as Campbell’s Soup, Nike, Charmin, Chegg, Dick’s Sporting Goods, DraftKings, Raiinmaker, Sleep Number, True Spec Golf, USAA, Verizon, and Visa. He has also engaged in off-field investments, including real estate, further contributing to his financial portfolio.
Legacy and Influence
Zach Ertz’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, encompassing significant social contributions and a positive public image. He and his wife, Julie Ertz, are co-founders of the Ertz Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization established with a mission to empower others by sharing faith, learning through sports and education, and supporting family enrichment programs to build supportive communities.
The foundation has spearheaded numerous initiatives, making a tangible impact in various communities. These efforts include providing opportunities for youth to develop through sports, promoting nutrition, leadership, and teamwork, and improving the quality of education by supporting teachers, students, and schools. Notable contributions include a $10,000 donation to Kensington High School in Philadelphia to replace stolen football equipment and a $50,000 donation to the College Is Real program in Richmond, California, to establish a college readiness program for first-generation students. In 2024, the Ertz Family Foundation announced several community initiatives, including a $100,000 donation to the House of Hope in North Philadelphia and partnering with Safeway to host the annual Feast of Sharing event in Washington, D.C., aiming to provide meals and coats to 5,000 vulnerable residents. They have also engaged in large-scale hunger relief efforts, providing over a million meals through partnerships with organizations like The Athletes’ Corner and Feeding America®.
Ertz’s commitment to giving back was formally recognized when he received the Steinberg-DeNicola Humanitarian Award in 2019. His public image is that of a respected veteran, a dedicated family man, and a compassionate individual who uses his platform to uplift others. His work with the Ertz Family Foundation exemplifies his desire to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of less fortunate individuals and foster stronger communities.
Interesting Facts about Zach Ertz
- Zach Ertz initially wanted to play college basketball but was convinced by his mother and coaches to pursue football due to his innate talent.
- His father, Doug Ertz, played college football for Lehigh University in the 1980s.
- In high school, Ertz was mentored by former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end Brent Jones.
- At Stanford, he majored in Management Science and Engineering and maintained a 3.4-grade point average, demonstrating his commitment to academics.
- Ertz played a significant role in helping raise his three younger brothers—Shane, Nick, and Jackson—after his parents divorced.
- He has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in venture capital after his football career concludes.
- Ertz holds the NFL record for most receptions in a single season by a tight end, achieved in 2018 with 116 catches.
Controversies
Zach Ertz has maintained a largely positive public image throughout his professional football career. There are no significant public controversies or major scandals associated with him. His career has been characterized by consistent performance, strong leadership, and active engagement in philanthropic efforts, rather than high-profile disputes or issues.
Social Media Presence
Zach Ertz actively engages with his fanbase through social media platforms, providing insights into his professional and personal life. His presence allows fans to stay updated on his career, family life with his wife Julie Ertz, and his charitable endeavors.
- Instagram: @zachertz (Follower count not specified in search results, but active)
- Twitter (X): (Specific handle and follower count not specified in search results, but generally active for public figures)
- YouTube: (No dedicated official channel specified, but features in team and news highlights)
Final Words about Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz stands as a testament to dedication, talent, and resilience in the world of professional football. From his foundational years at Stanford, where he honed his skills as an All-American tight end, to his celebrated tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles that culminated in a Super Bowl LII championship, Ertz has consistently proven his capability as a premier player. His record-setting 2018 season for receptions by a tight end further cemented his place in NFL history.
Currently a veteran leader for the Washington Commanders, Zach Ertz continues to contribute significantly on the field, bringing experience and reliable receiving ability to the offense. Beyond his professional endeavors, his commitment to community through the Ertz Family Foundation, alongside his wife Julie Ertz, highlights a profound dedication to making a positive impact on society, particularly in areas of youth development, education, and hunger relief. As he navigates the later stages of his illustrious career, Ertz remains a highly respected figure, admired not only for his athletic prowess but also for his unwavering character and commitment to family and philanthropy. His legacy is one of a champion athlete, a devoted husband and father, and a compassionate humanitarian.