New Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz knew that his time in Philadelphia was over.
The Eagles brought him as one of the captains during the coin toss and had one last touchdown catch.
He couldn’t contain his emotions on his way back to the locker room and shared a moment with security personnel.
Ertz poured out his tears while sitting at his locker for about 30 minutes because his nine-year tenure in the City of Brotherly Love ended.
Before trading for TE Zach Ertz the #Cardinals reached out to the #Giants regarding TE Evan Engram.
However, GM Dave Gettleman said the player was “invaluable to the teams plans” and no deal could be agreed. pic.twitter.com/qacv0Ndaqy
— Wesley Steinberg (@WesSteinberg) October 15, 2021
He mentioned during the post-game press conference that Philadelphia will always be home.
However, he will don another jersey as he continues his journey with the Arizona Cardinals.
The writing was on the wall when Dallas Goedert emerged as the Eagles’ starting tight end.
But no one could question the illustrious legacy he built in Philly.
A Winning Eagle
Ertz’s touchdown catch in their Thursday Night Football encounter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the 38th of his career.
That was also catch number 579 for Ertz, ten receptions short of Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael’s franchise record.
None of the catches he made was more significant than the game-winning touchdown reception against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Ertz finished his stint in Philadelphia with 6,267 yards.
Zach Ertz on being traded
“I sat at my locker last night and cried for a half hour”
“Philly will always be home. I love Philly” pic.twitter.com/VcxFmbjXRH
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 15, 2021
Aside from team accolades, he received individual recognition after being named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2017 to 2019.
He was also a fantastic locker room guy that never shied from mentoring younger players.
As Brent Celek became his mentor, he also became a sensei to Goedert.
There’s no doubt that he will have a place in the Eagles Hall of Fame.
Zach Ertz was emotional walking back to the locker room after last night's game. Have to figure he knew something was coming.
(🎥 @JClarkNBCS)pic.twitter.com/gAg1c0wrtL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 15, 2021
Both Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman had nothing wrong to say about the leader, gentleman, and role model that is Ertz.
Ironically, it was Roseman who pulled the trigger for the trade.
Ertz will be joining the only undefeated team left in the 2021 NFL season in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and Arizona’s fifth-round pick in 2022.
Making An Immediate Impact
Ertz will fill an immediate need for the Cardinals after Maxx Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury.
While Arizona’s receiving corps is talent-laden, the veteran tight end becomes the team’s top red-zone target.
His numbers may not be at par with his Pro Bowl years, but he still led the Eagles in touchdown receptions through Week 5.
However, Kyler Murray must maximize Ertz as a pass-catcher by looking at him during short-yardage situations.
Murray would instead prefer throwing the ball deep to DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore.
Truly a thing of beauty.@moore_rondale x #RedSea pic.twitter.com/xP64GTrRFU
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 10, 2021
But Ertz has one of the surest hands in the league because he rarely drops the ball.
He’s not the same run blocker anymore, but he still has enough power to hold the fort for James Conner and Chase Edmonds.
Aside from his on-field talent, the former Stanford standout sets an excellent example for the younger players.
It’s not an accident that J.J. Watt’s addition helped the Cardinals become a disciplined team.
Happy Thursday!!!!
Enjoy this J.J. Watt TFL! He's been an absolute monster on the #AZCardinals defensive line this season, especially last Sunday when he racked up six pressures & three tackles for loss in the win over the 49ers!
Unstoppable! 💪#RedSea🐦🏈🐦🏈🐦🏈🐦🏈🐦🏈🐦🏈 pic.twitter.com/Bqj5V45Zmw
— Andy Kwong (@akwong31) October 14, 2021
Throwing Ertz into the mix gives them another glue guy that delivers sound advice to anyone willing to listen.
He does not need to do much, given Arizona’s high-powered offense.
Likewise, it’s not sure if the Cardinals will extend him beyond this year.
But while his future remains vague, one thing remains constant with Zach Ertz.
“This is home. Philadelphia is home.” – @ZERTZ_86 pic.twitter.com/osOPQ6la4j
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2021
He will give his best every time he steps on the field.
That mentality will help the Cardinals maintain their winning streak.
NEXT: How Long Can The Cardinals Remain Undefeated?
