Zach Ertz: Jersey Number, Career Stats, Projections, Mom and NFL Career

Zach Ertz is an American professional football tight end known for his reliable hands, precise route-running and successful career in the NFL. He has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders, earning three Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl LII with Philadelphia.

In September 2026, Ertz returned to the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing his NFL career full circle. His jersey number, career statistics, 2026 projections, family background and continued recovery from a knee injury have attracted attention from NFL fans.

Zach Ertz Profile

What Is Zach Ertz’s Jersey Number?

Zach Ertz wears jersey number 86 with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team signed him on September 22, 2026, marking his return to the franchise where he began his NFL career.

Ertz previously wore No. 86 during his first stint with Philadelphia and continued to wear the same number with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. His return to Philadelphia allows him to continue wearing the number associated with much of his professional career.

As a tight end, Ertz has used his size, positioning and receiving skills to create opportunities in the middle of the field and near the end zone.

Zach Ertz Career Stats

Zach Ertz has established himself as one of the productive receiving tight ends of his generation. According to NFL career statistics, he recorded 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns through the 2025 season.

Regular-season receiving statistics

Statistics are regular-season receiving totals. The 2021 season combines his Philadelphia and Arizona numbers.

Ertz’s most productive statistical season came in 2018, when he recorded 116 receptions for 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns. His 116 catches set a Philadelphia Eagles single-season record at the time and established a major benchmark for tight ends.

Zach Ertz 2026 Projections

Zach Ertz entered the 2026 NFL season following a significant knee injury suffered while playing for the Washington Commanders in December 2025. He planned to continue his career and was expected to be cleared around Week 1, according to NFL.com. The Eagles subsequently signed him in September 2026.

One fantasy football projection model published by Gridiron Value on September 24, 2026, projected Ertz to score 73.4 PPR fantasy points, averaging 5.0 points per game over 17 projected games. The model ranked him TE39. These are model estimates, not official NFL projections or guaranteed results.

His actual production will depend on his recovery, playing time, offensive role and involvement in Philadelphia’s passing game. His experience could also provide value in short-yardage situations and as a reliable target for the quarterback.

Who Is Zach Ertz’s Mom?

Zach Ertz grew up in Orange, California, and attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California, before playing college football at Stanford. Although his professional career and family life are well documented, detailed, reliably verified public information about his mother, including her personal background and career, is limited in the sources available here.

Ertz has maintained a relatively private family life outside his public appearances as an NFL player. His own family, particularly his wife Julie Ertz, has also been involved in charitable work through the Ertz Family Foundation.

Zach Ertz’s College Career at Stanford

Before entering the NFL, Zach Ertz played college football for the Stanford Cardinal from 2010 to 2012. He developed into a productive receiving tight end and became one of the notable players in Stanford’s offense.

During his college career, Ertz recorded:

• Receptions: 112

• Receiving yards: 1,434

• Touchdowns: 15

He earned unanimous All-American recognition in his final college season, receiving first-team honors from several major organizations. His college performances helped establish him as a highly regarded tight end prospect ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ertz in the second round with the 35th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Zach Ertz’s NFL Career

Philadelphia Eagles (2013–2021)

Ertz began his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. He quickly became an important part of the team’s passing offense, using his size and ability to find open spaces in defensive coverage.

His career reached a major milestone during the 2017 season, when he helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. Ertz scored the game-winning touchdown on an 11-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017 to 2019. His 2018 season was particularly memorable, as he recorded 116 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Ertz played for Philadelphia until 2021, when the Eagles traded him to the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals (2021–2023)

Ertz joined the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 season and continued to contribute as a receiving tight end. He recorded 56 receptions for 574 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with Arizona that season.

In 2022, he registered 47 receptions, 406 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games before an injury ended his season.

He appeared in seven games for Arizona in 2023, finishing with 27 receptions, 187 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Washington Commanders (2024–2025)

Ertz signed with the Washington Commanders and played a significant role in their passing offense during the 2024 season. He finished the year with 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games.

In 2025, he recorded 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. However, he suffered a torn ACL in December, which interrupted his season and required a period of rehabilitation.

Return to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026

On September 22, 2026, the Eagles signed Ertz, bringing him back to the franchise that drafted him. He returned as a veteran tight end wearing No. 86.

His return followed his recovery from the knee injury he suffered in Washington. The reunion also brought back a player who helped deliver one of the most memorable moments in the franchise’s history.

Zach Ertz’s Mom, Wife and Family

Zach Ertz is married to Julie Ertz, a former United States women’s national soccer team player. Julie is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and has represented the United States in major international competitions.

The couple have a son and have shared aspects of their family life publicly. Together, they established the Ertz Family Foundation in 2018.

The foundation supports initiatives involving education, physical activity, nutrition, leadership and community development. Their charitable work has focused on creating opportunities for young people and supporting families and schools.

Zach Ertz’s Achievements and Awards

Throughout his NFL career, Ertz has earned several notable achievements.

• Super Bowl LII champion with the Philadelphia Eagles

• Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2017, 2018 and 2019)

• Unanimous All-American at Stanford

• Eagles’ single-season receptions record holder with 116 catches in 2018

• More than 8,500 career receiving yards

• More than 800 career receptions

His career production and contributions to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning team have made him a significant figure in the franchise’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zach Ertz’s jersey number?

Zach Ertz wears No. 86 for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026.

What are Zach Ertz’s career stats?

Through the 2025 NFL season, Ertz recorded 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns in 181 regular-season games.

What are Zach Ertz’s 2026 projections?

One fantasy projection model estimates 73.4 PPR points, 5.0 points per game and 17 games for the 2026 season. Actual performance may differ.

Who is Zach Ertz’s mom?

Ertz grew up in Orange, California. Detailed biographical information about his mother is limited in the sources available for this article.

Who is Zach Ertz’s wife?

Zach Ertz is married to Julie Ertz, a former United States women’s national soccer team player and two-time World Cup champion.

How old is Zach Ertz?

Zach Ertz was born on November 10, 1990. He is 35 years old as of September 2026.

Which NFL teams has Zach Ertz played for?

Ertz has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. He returned to the Eagles in September 2026.

Did Zach Ertz win a Super Bowl?

Yes. Ertz won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles and scored the game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots.

Conclusion

Zach Ertz has built a distinguished NFL career through consistent receiving production, reliable route-running and important contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. With 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns through 2025, his career statistics reflect his impact as a tight end.

His return to Philadelphia in 2026, wearing jersey number 86, marks another chapter in his professional journey. Following his knee injury, his playing time and production will depend on his recovery and role with the Eagles.