Zach Ertz makes history on Sunday Night Football in Week 13 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Commanders welcomed the Denver Broncos to town in Week 13 for a matchup on Sunday Night Football.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Commanders didn't have much to play for in terms of the playoffs, but one of their key playmakers entered the game approaching a key career milestone. Tight end Zach Ertz entered Week 13 needing just two receptions to pass Shannon Sharpe for fifth on the all-time tight end catches list.
Well, the veteran didn't have to wait long to pass Sharpe. Ertz caught three passes in the first quarter alone. Now, Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Travis Kelce, and Antonio Gates are the only tight ends with more career catches than Ertz.
Notably, Gonzalez and Gates are in the Hall of Fame while Witten and Kelce certainly will be eventually. Gonzalez, Witten, and Kelce are the only tight ends to ever surpass 1,000 receptions, while Gonzalez has the all-time yards record by over 2,000 yards.
On the night, Ertz ended with 10 catches for 106 yards. It was the best game of the season for Ertz and the first time he's surpassed the 100-yard mark in 2025.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUnfortunately, Ertz's massive night wasn't enough to power the Commanders to a win. The team ultimately fell in overtime by a score of 27-26, and now sits at a disappointing 3-9 in 2025.
2025 is the second season in Washington for Ertz. The tight end's best seasons came with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the first nine years of his career.
Ertz surpassed the 70-catch mark in five separate seasons with the Eagles and earned three Pro Bowl selections during his tenure. The tight end was also a crucial piece of the team that went on to win Super Bowl LII.
Ertz then spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before latching on with the Commanders. Ertz has built chemistry with Jayden Daniels, but Daniels has been dealing with injuries in 2025, and the offense has failed to get going.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt least now Ertz can say he's even higher up in the all-time tight ends list after his latest performance.
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