The Washington Commanders may not be where they hoped to be in the standings this season, but if you’re tuning into the in-season edition of Hard Knocks, you’re seeing something just as meaningful as a playoff push: leadership, resilience, and the kind of behind-the-scenes mentorship that helps build the foundation for the future.
This year’s Hard Knocks is pulling back the curtain on what life looks like for teams navigating the grind of the NFL season. For the Commanders, it’s been a tough stretch.
A rash of injuries has derailed their momentum, and after reaching the NFC Championship Game just a year ago, they now find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. But even in a season that’s fallen short of expectations, moments of character and commitment are shining through.
Case in point: Zach Ertz.
The veteran tight end, who joined Washington with hopes of making another deep postseason run, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 14. It was a tough blow for a player who had been producing at a high level-50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns before going down.
And yet, despite the setback and the fact that he’s set to hit free agency after the season, Ertz hasn’t distanced himself from the team. Quite the opposite.
In the latest episode of Hard Knocks, cameras captured a powerful scene: Ertz, leg braced and hobbling on crutches, sitting down with rookie tight end Ben Sinnott to break down practice tape. This wasn’t a quick chat or a surface-level pep talk. Ertz was locked in, pointing out details, coaching up the young pass-catcher, and pouring his experience into the next generation.
Sinnott, a second-round pick in 2024, represents part of the Commanders’ future at the position. And having a veteran like Ertz in his corner-even while sidelined-could be invaluable for his development. It’s the kind of mentorship that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet but can make a major difference in a young player’s growth.
Let’s not forget: Ertz has nothing to prove. He’s already etched his name into NFL history, recently moving into fifth place all-time in receptions by a tight end.
Thirteen years in, he’s done more than most at his position ever will. And yet, here he is-injured, in a contract year, and still showing up every day to help his teammates.
That says a lot about who Zach Ertz is, and it says a lot about the culture the Commanders are trying to build. Even in a season that hasn’t gone according to plan, moments like these are reminders that leadership doesn’t take Sundays off. And for a young player like Sinnott, learning under the wing of one of the game’s greats could be one of the most impactful storylines of Washington’s season-no matter what the record says.