Zach Ertz, a veteran tight end and Super Bowl champion, recently reflected on his career and the impact of his time spent playing against and in Washington. While Ertz never officially played for the Washington Commanders, his battles against them during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles—and later in his career with the Arizona Cardinals—shaped him in more ways than one.
Ertz has always been a competitor, someone who thrives in high-pressure situations. When asked about Washington’s impact on his development, he credited the challenging NFC East matchups for pushing him to be better. Facing Washington’s defenses over the years, led by strong players and coordinators, forced him to elevate his skills, adapt his routes, and sharpen his game awareness.
“Washington always had a physical, talented defense,” Ertz said. “Playing against them helped me understand what it meant to compete at a high level week in and week out.”
The competitiveness of NFC East matchups was one of the hallmarks of Ertz’s career in Philadelphia. His clashes against Washington defenders such as Ryan Kerrigan and, more recently, Chase Young were not just battles on the field—they were tests of endurance and mental toughness.
Beyond the on-field challenges, Ertz revealed that playing in Washington, particularly at FedExField, had its unique challenges. “The atmosphere there is something else,” Ertz remarked. “It’s one of those places where you feel the passion of the fans, and it pushes you to dig deeper. Those experiences helped shape me as a competitor.”
Ertz’s appreciation for Washington isn’t just limited to football. During his career, he formed bonds with players across the league, including those on the Washington roster, who offered perspectives and camaraderie that influenced his approach to the game.
As Ertz continues his journey in the NFL, his reflections on Washington serve as a reminder of the significance of rivalries and the respect players have for one another. Whether it’s a hard-fought game or a moment of growth, the lessons learned from opponents often play a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s career.
For Ertz, Washington wasn’t just an opponent—it was a chapter in his story that contributed to his development as a player and as a leader.
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