Zach Ertz Shines in Historic Week 13 Sunday Night Football
The Week 13 matchup of Sunday Night Football featured the Washington Commanders facing the Denver Broncos. While Washington had little playoff contention to play for, tight end Zach Ertz aimed to achieve a significant milestone. Before the game, Ertz required just two receptions to surpass Shannon Sharpe and climb to fifth place on the all-time tight end catches list.
Zach Ertz Achieves Career Milestone
In a remarkable first quarter, Ertz quickly completed this goal, recording three receptions. He now joins an elite group of tight ends with only Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Travis Kelce, and Antonio Gates ahead of him in career catches. Notably, Gonzalez and Gates are Hall of Fame members, while Witten and Kelce are likely future inductees.
Career Stats of Top Tight Ends
| Player | Career Catches | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Gonzalez | 1,325 | Holds all-time yards record by over 2,000 yards |
| Jason Witten | 1,228 | Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate |
| Travis Kelce | 1,171+ | Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate |
| Antonio Gates | 1,326 | Hall of Fame member |
| Zach Ertz | Number TBD | Recent milestone achieved in Week 13 |
Game Overview
During the game, Ertz finished with an impressive 10 receptions for 106 yards. This performance marked his best outing of the season and his first time exceeding 100 yards in 2025. Despite Ertz’s personal success, the Commanders suffered a narrow defeat, falling to the Broncos 27-26 in overtime.
Ertz’s Journey in the NFL
Now in his second season with the Commanders, Ertz has a rich background with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent his first nine years. During his tenure, he secured three Pro Bowl selections and exceeded 70 receptions in five seasons. Notably, Ertz was a vital part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory.
After three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Ertz joined Washington, looking to replicate his previous success. He has formed a connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels, even as Daniels has faced injury challenges throughout the current season. With his recent performance, Ertz has solidified his place among the top tight ends in NFL history, continuing to build on his illustrious career.
