PHILADELPHIA -- Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles tight end, expressed his forgiveness to the team's front desk and reiterated his support for the city and organization after a difficult offseason that saw a lot of trade negotiations.
"Like I have said all along, I believe this is where I want it to be. This is where I want to retire. Ertz spoke publicly for the first time since January's emotional news conference, which was his farewell to Philadelphia. "I'm moving past everything that happened this offseason. There were apologies and there were things that we mended. But, in the end, I'm here. I'm happy to be here. I'm also excited to be part of this football team.
After contract-extension talks ended, friction between Ertz's and the Eagles started last offseason. A source claimed that Ertz was allowed to trade after a disappointing 2020 season, during which he sustained a serious ankle injury and ended with career lows of yards (335) as well as touchdowns (11). Although there were some close calls, Howie Roseman, the general manager, refused to sign off because he believed that Ertz's worth was not being represented by the asking price.
"This organization believed in me for the first eight years of this career. They believed in me more than any other league member. He said that they stood firm for what they believed to be fair, and that he couldn't fault them for it. "For me in my faith it's all forgiveness, forgiveness and who am I to not extend a forgiving hand with everything I believe in faith? I'm here now. The offseason is over. It's all about the Philadelphia Eagles, and being the best player that I can for this team and the city.
Ertz had surgery on his injured ankle in the offseason. Ertz said that he was on crutches for 2 weeks, in a walking cast for 2 weeks, and in a boot for 1 month. Ertz is now feeling well and had a good training camp. According to Nick Sirianni (coach), Ertz has become a favorite quarterback Jalen Hurts. Ertz also credits Sirianni for helping him develop as a receiver.
Ertz, 30 years old, has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. Ertz, 30, set the single-season record of 116 receptions by tight ends in 2018. He also ranks second on Eagles' all time receptions list (561), behind Hall of Fame receiver Harold Carmichael (589).
Ertz is expected to share the field alongside Dallas Goedert (a former second-round selection) who is also in the last year of his contract. Ertz stated that he doesn't view it as a contest and will let the coaches decide how long he plays.
"I feel more confident now than I did before the season began, physically, mentally, and emotionally." Ertz stated that there is no doubt in my mind that I can be the same player as I was before this year.
"I wanted to be in a position where I have given so much to the team over the past eight year; they've given to me so much over the past eight year; and I truly love this team at the end. It was about respecting those. The team will be much bigger than "86" going forward. This city is too dear to me that I will not quote/endquote, "Burn it down" as some people asked me to, but I truly love this place.
