Zach Ertz keeps rewriting the record books, and Sunday night was just the latest chapter in what’s been a remarkable NFL career. The veteran tight end entered the Washington Commanders’ prime-time matchup against the Denver Broncos needing just two catches to leapfrog Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe for fifth all-time in receptions by a tight end. He didn’t waste any time.
By the end of the first quarter, Ertz had already hauled in three catches-enough to move past Sharpe and push his career total to 818 receptions. That puts him in elite company.
Only four names now sit ahead of him on the all-time tight end receptions list: Tony Gonzalez (1,325), Jason Witten (1,228), Travis Kelce (1,063), and Antonio Gates (995). That’s not just a who’s who of the position-it’s a Mount Rushmore.
Ertz had already joined the 800-catch club earlier this season, hitting the milestone in a late October game against the Chiefs. But passing Sharpe is another significant marker in a career that’s been defined by consistency, toughness, and production in big moments.
This season with Washington, Ertz has quietly put together a solid campaign, especially considering the transition to a new team. Through the first quarter of Week 13, he's recorded 43 receptions for 411 yards and four touchdowns. Those aren't just filler numbers-they’re the kind of stats that show he’s still a reliable target and a key piece of the Commanders’ offense.
What makes Ertz’s climb even more impressive is the context. Tight end is one of the most physically demanding positions in football.
You're expected to block like a lineman and catch like a receiver-often on the same drive. To sustain that level of production across more than a decade in the league is a testament to Ertz’s durability, preparation, and football IQ.
At this point in his career, Ertz isn’t just adding to his legacy-he’s solidifying it. He’s not just a former Pro Bowler or Super Bowl champion.
He’s now statistically one of the most productive tight ends the league has ever seen. And while the names above him on the list are all-time greats, Ertz has carved out his own space in that conversation.
For Washington, having a veteran presence like Ertz in the locker room and on the field is invaluable-especially for a young offense still finding its identity. And for fans of the game, watching a player like Ertz continue to perform at a high level is a reminder of what greatness looks like over the long haul.
As the season rolls on, Ertz may not catch the legends ahead of him in raw numbers, but make no mistake-he’s already among them.