The Ertzes are back in Philly and back on our socials — now with the kids in tow
In the video posted by Ertz's wife, Julie, Madden says "our family can’t wait to cheer the team on," and that Zach has been "working really hard." with the help of him and his brothers.
Zach Ertz has received plenty of introductions during his NFL career. His latest came from a slightly smaller announcer.
Madden Ertz, the Ertzes’ oldest son, took center stage in a video posted by Julie Ertz, Zach’s wife, on Monday, introducing his dad ahead of his potential return to the Eagles against the Chicago Bears.
“I believe I’d like to introduce my favorite person,” he said. “My dad, Zach Ertz.”
He continued with his dad’s resumé — “Super Bowl champion” and “three-time Pro Bowler” — before turning from Ertz the football player to Ertz the father.
“Our family can’t wait to cheer the team on,” he said. “He has been working really hard. … Don’t worry, I gave him a lot of hugs. My brothers help too. They’re little, but they’re funny.”
The message carries a little more meaning after Ertz’s return to Philadelphia. Ertz said last week that his three sons, Madden and twins Kace and Kyren, helped motivate him through his recovery from the torn ACL in his right knee that ended his 2025 season with the Washington Commanders — he wanted them to see what it looked like to work through adversity.
Zach and Julie, a former U.S. women’s national team star, left Philadelphia without children when the Eagles traded Zach to Arizona in 2021. Five years later, they returned to the organization as parents of three.
» READ MORE: Zach Ertz was ‘nervous’ for his first practice back with the Eagles
Madden ended Monday’s video with one more message.
“I’m so proud of you,” he told Zach.
“What?” Zach responded.
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, boy.”
Ertz could now get the chance to complete that comeback in front of his family Monday night after being activated ahead of the Eagles’ game against the Bears (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN).
Earlier this year, the scenario seemed far-fetched, especially after the Eagles used a second-round draft pick on a tight end. Zach Ertz overcoming a serious injury to make a nostalgic return? It just didn’t feel like a possibility. Then rookie Eli Stowers got hurt in the preseason, and starter Dallas Goedert went down Week 2 vs. Tennessee. All of a sudden, the Eagles had a need. Now, the 35-year old Ertz has been tapped to fill it. The Inquirer's Jeff McLane explains how an unlikely reunion between Ertz and the Eagles came together, why both sides are hoping for more than a feel-good story, and which player on the roster could be affected by this move the most. Listen here.
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