Zach Ertz’s time with the Washington Commanders may be winding down, but the respect he’s earned within the building is still front and center.
On Tuesday night, the Commanders took to social media to shine a spotlight on the veteran tight end. The post featured a photo of Ertz mid-catch, arms extended, wearing the franchise’s throwback Super Bowl-era uniform - a nod to the past, and perhaps, a subtle salute to a player whose legacy is already cemented in NFL history. The image wasn’t from the Christmas Day game against Dallas - the lighting and uniform suggest it was likely from one of Washington’s Sunday night matchups against either the Seahawks or Broncos, both of which featured the retro look.
The timing of the post is interesting. Just a few days earlier, the team’s official website published a positional review of the tight end group - a piece that highlighted Ertz’s contributions during the 2025 season. While the Commanders didn’t initially promote that article on social media, it appears they’re now circling back to give Ertz his due.
And rightfully so.
Despite suffering a season-ending ACL tear in a Week 14 loss to Minnesota, Ertz still managed to carve out a productive year. He finished with 50 receptions, averaging 10.1 yards per catch and finding the end zone four times. More importantly, he climbed into elite company - moving into fifth place all-time in receptions among tight ends, now sitting at 825 career catches.
That puts him in rarefied air. Here’s how the top five currently stack up:
- Tony Gonzalez - 1,325
- Jason Witten - 1,228
- Travis Kelce - 1,080
- Antonio Gates - 955
- Zach Ertz - 825
That’s not just a list - that’s a Hall of Fame roll call. And Ertz, even at 35 and rehabbing from a major knee injury, is right there among the greats.
But beyond the numbers, Ertz’s impact in Washington has been about more than just production. Even after the injury, he remained a vocal leader in the locker room and a mentor on the field. He was seen working with rookie Ben Sinnott, breaking down film, offering tips, and passing on the kind of nuanced knowledge that only comes from 181 career games and over 8,500 receiving yards.
That’s the kind of presence you can’t quantify - but teams feel it. And Washington clearly has.
Still, with a new regime in place - head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters now steering the ship - tough roster decisions are coming. Ertz is set to turn 36 in November, and recovering from an ACL tear at that age is no small task. The Commanders have young talent at tight end, and they may be looking to get younger and more dynamic as they reshape the roster.
So, is this social media post a farewell? A thank you? A quiet acknowledgment that the team is ready to move forward, while still honoring what Ertz brought to the table?
Maybe it’s all of the above.
What’s clear is this: Zach Ertz’s time in Washington may have been short, but it was meaningful. He gave the team veteran leadership, consistent production, and a masterclass in professionalism - and he did it while climbing into the top five all-time at his position.
If this is the end of the road for Ertz in Washington, it’s been a run worth celebrating.