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In the ever-evolving world of NFL roster changes, one name that’s been making headlines recently is Zach Ertz. The seasoned tight end has embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the Detroit Lions amid a series of interesting events. In this article, we’ll delve into the journey of Zach Ertz, his remarkable career, the reasons behind his move to the Lions, and what this means for both him and his new team.
Who is Zach Ertz?
Zachary Adam Ertz, born on November 10, 1990, stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 250 pounds. He was born in Orange, California, and attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. Ertz’s prowess on the football field became evident during his college years at Stanford University from 2009 to 2012, where he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2012.
In the 2013 NFL Draft, Ertz was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round, with the 35th overall selection. His career with the Eagles from 2013 to 2021 was marked by significant contributions, including a pivotal role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LII. Ertz’s excellence was recognized with three Pro Bowl selections spanning from 2017 to 2019.
Fast forward to 2021, and Ertz found himself wearing the Arizona Cardinals’ jersey. By 2023, he made the switch to the Detroit Lions, where he currently holds a place on the practice squad roster. Ertz’s name is etched in NFL history, with a record-breaking 116 receptions in a single season as a tight end, along with impressive career stats, including 709 receptions, 7,434 receiving yards, and 46 receiving touchdowns. His journey underscores his unwavering dedication and skill in the world of professional football.
| Full Name | Zach Ertz |
| Position | Tight End |
| NFL Experience | 11 Years |
| Birthdate | November 10, 1990 |
| Age | 33 years (2023) |
| College | Stanford |
| Nationality | United States |
The Ertz Transition
So, what led to Zach Ertz’s move to the Detroit Lions? The story begins with his time at the Arizona Cardinals. Ertz’s 2023 season faced its share of challenges, including overcoming a serious knee injury from the previous year to assume the role of Arizona’s tight end. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and he landed on injured reserve once again due to a torn quad, allowing Trey McBride to step into the Cardinals’ offense. Interestingly, the decision for Ertz to part ways with the Cardinals had been brewing for weeks, culminating before Week 13.
Ertz’s arrival in Detroit comes at a crucial juncture, with the Lions grappling with injuries in their tight end group. The move also reunites him with former Arizona tight ends coach Steve Heiden, who now guides the Lions’ tight ends. This reunion promises a smoother transition for the seasoned veteran as he prepares for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout the season, Ertz managed to participate in seven games, catching 27 passes out of 43 targets for 187 yards and scoring one touchdown. Despite rumored interest from other teams, such as Philadelphia and Baltimore, Ertz seized a fresh opportunity with the Detroit Lions.
Zach Ertz Career Highlights
Zach Ertz’s remarkable journey through the NFL began in 2013 when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact with 36 receptions, 469 yards, and four touchdowns. Ertz continued to shine in subsequent seasons, establishing himself as a key receiving tight end for the Eagles.
In 2017, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, securing the go-ahead touchdown pass. The following year, in 2018, Ertz etched his name in the record books, surpassing Jason Witten’s NFL record for the most receptions by a tight end with a staggering 116 catches. That season, he concluded with 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl nod.
Ertz maintained his stellar performance in 2019, securing another Pro Bowl nomination with 88 receptions, 916 yards, and six touchdowns. However, the 2020 season brought its challenges, with a high ankle sprain limiting his play.
A significant shift occurred in 2021 when Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. Despite signing a contract extension, he faced a season-ending knee injury in 2022. The storyline continued in 2023 as he joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad following a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals. Ertz’s career is punctuated by Pro Bowl selections, record-breaking achievements, and valuable contributions to his teams, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the NFL.
Zach Ertz and the Super Bowl
Zach Ertz’s association with Super Bowls has not gone unnoticed. With 11 NFL seasons under his belt, Ertz’s addition to the Detroit Lions couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. The move was prompted by injuries plaguing the Lions’ tight end group, with Brock Wright exiting a playoff game due to a forearm injury and James Mitchell placed on injured reserve with a hand injury.
Ertz’s extensive experience, gained from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals, includes three Pro Bowl appearances and being part of the Eagles’ victorious 2017 Super Bowl team. His familiarity with Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden, stemming from their shared time in Arizona, adds an extra layer of potential impact.
Ertz’s Super Bowl legacy is particularly noteworthy, with his pivotal role as the Eagles’ second-leading receiver in Super Bowl LII, contributing seven catches for 67 yards. His arrival injects reliability into the Lions’ passing game and introduces a player with a track record of success in high-stakes matches. As the Lions gear up for the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Ertz’s presence could prove to be a game-changer, addressing their tight end challenges and elevating their offensive capabilities.
Zach Ertz Contract Details
The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz, following an agreement confirmed by a source to ESPN. This acquisition comes on the heels of Lions tight end Brock Wright’s forearm injury during the divisional round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ertz, aged 33, was released by the Arizona Cardinals in November and is expected to join the Lions’ practice squad before being elevated for the NFC Championship Game. With a remarkable career spanning 11 seasons, including 709 catches, 7,434 yards, and 46 touchdowns, Ertz’s addition addresses the Lions’ tight end depth, a vital move amid their injury concerns.
What Happened to Zach Ertz? – FAQs
- What is Zach Ertz’s current NFL team?
- Zach Ertz is currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
- How many Pro Bowls has Zach Ertz earned?
- Zach Ertz has earned three Pro Bowl selections, spanning from 2017 to 2019.
- What is Zach Ertz’s Super Bowl history?
- Zach Ertz was part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning team, contributing as the second-leading receiver in Super Bowl LII.
- Why did Zach Ertz leave the Arizona Cardinals?
- Zach Ertz left the Arizona Cardinals due to a mutual decision, and his move to the Detroit Lions was in the works before Week 13, following challenges and injuries during the season.
- How many yards and touchdowns did Zach Ertz accumulate in the 2023 NFL season?
- In the 2023 season, Zach Ertz played seven games, catching 27 passes for 187 yards and scoring one touchdown.
Stay tuned for more updates on Zach Ertz’s journey and his impact on the Detroit Lions as they strive for success in the NFL. For the latest news and trends presented in a clear and concise manner, join us at Digitalvisi. We’re here to keep you informed without any confusion, making your quest for staying updated a smooth and enjoyable one.
