Zach Ertz returns to Philadelphia for the NFC title game as a key player for the Commanders

ASHBURN, Va. — The thought invaded Zach Ertz’s mind late in 2023 when he was out of football and a year removed from knee surgery. “But I’m not going out there with a chip on my shoulder or trying to prove to people X, Y or Z. I’m just trying to go out there and be the best version of myself.” Ertz, 34, has been a darn good version of himself over the past several months, reinvigorating his love for football while playing for coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, whom he knew from his time with Arizona. “He’s been a reliable target for us in the pass game and has stepped into every situation that we need him in and made big plays.” Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the Eagles, including the 2017 season when he helped them win their first Super Bowl, knows he’s not playing 90% of the snaps like he did in his prime. “And he’s surpassed those and kept going.” Ertz had just 18 catches in six games for Philadelphia in 2021, Nick Sirianni’s first as coach, before getting traded to Arizona. He’s still making an impact playing big-time ball.” Ertz received a warm ovation in November for his first game back at Lincoln Financial Field and understands it won’t be the same “because they got a lot at stake, as well.” He and wife Julie’s Ertz Family Foundation still does work in the city he still loves — and he is glad he got the emotional return out of the way in the fall before the playoff intensity took over.