Zach Ertz may play for a rival team, but he remains well-respected in the City of Brotherly Love. A fitting example is a heartwarming moment he shared with a former teammate after the NFC Championship.
Videos by FanBuzz
A video posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, showed the Commanders' tight end walking to the locker room with a dejected look on his face. As Ertz went to make the turn, an unseen figure yelled, "Zach!" The camera revealed that it was former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
The two former Eagles players shared a long embrace as Cox delivered a message. The video on X did not reveal the message, so it remained private. Still, it showed the respect between the two players.
Eagles legend Fletcher Cox called over Commanders TE Zach Ertz after the season-ending loss: pic.twitter.com/FHAP3O7C73
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) January 26, 2025
Cox landed with the Eagles as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Ertz joined the team one season later as a second-round pick. The duo spent nine seasons together as teammates while enjoying success in the NFC East.
Cox, a six-time Pro Bowler, was the heart of the defensive line as he started every game for which he was healthy. He posted 70 sacks and 519 combined tackles during his 12-year run in Philadelphia.
Ertz was a key contributor on offense as he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl. His tenure featured a 1,100-yard season in 2018. He caught 38 touchdown passes while playing in Philadelphia.
The best season for this duo was 2017. The Eagles posted a 13-3 record in the regular season and defeated the Falcons and Vikings to reach Super Bowl 52. The Eagles then defeated the Patriots in the Big Game to win their first Lombardi Trophy.
Ertz delivered on offense as he caught seven passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. Cox posted one tackle as the Eagles faced off with Tom Brady and his high-powered offense.
Cox was not the only person showing respect to Ertz after the 55-23 Eagles win. The fans at Lincoln Financial Field made sure to show the former Philly tight end some love with loud cheers as he walked off of the field.
