Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end, gave an explanation of why he couldn’t resist the chance to sign with the Detroit Lions.
For the past month, Zach Ertz has practiced patience. The 11-year veteran tight end wanted to wait to join with a new team until he found the proper circumstances, so he asked to be released from the Arizona Cardinals.
For the past month, Zach Ertz has practiced patience. The 11-year veteran tight end wanted to wait to join with a new team until he found the proper circumstances, so he asked to be released from the Arizona Cardinals.
“I wanted to avoid jumping into anything,” Ertz stated to the press on Wednesday. “I was really waiting to feel like myself again after an injury earlier in the year. Since I had an ACL last year, it was a fantastic chance for me to regain my entire health and sense of self. Since I obviously had a wife and a young child at home, I decided to wait until the best time of year to make this move.
Over the previous three weeks, Ertz had discussions with a number of teams, including the Detroit Lions. And Ertz was all in when Detroit, which had lost two tight ends to injury, was prepared to make the move.
“I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be here with these guys and learn from a head coach who was a tight end,” Ertz remarked.
Ertz was drawn to Detroit for a variety of reasons. In addition to the obvious allure of facing his former tight ends coach Steve Heiden again, the team’s real chance to win a championship was also a major draw. Plus, an opportunity to get to know coach Dan Campbell, whom he had liked from a distance and clicked with right away over the phone earlier in the week.
“I cherish Dan. We spoke for twenty minutes yesterday, and because he’s a man I’ve always respected, I’m looking forward to seeing him in front of the team, Ertz added. He’s a guy that consistently plays his tight ends correctly. I’m therefore happy to be with him.
It’s uncertain yet what part the three-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz will play in this week’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. According to Campbell, the organization has not yet decided on a game strategy or whether to activate Ertz, who is presently on the practice squad.
Campbell stated, “He knows we’re just going to gauge this and see where we’re at.” He’ll be out here, then. However, notice that he has played. performed at a high caliber. He’s good at certain things; the question is, “Is this the week to use him?”
Ertz understands it, being the veteran that he is. Additionally, he is aware that he won’t be given a job offer the moment he walks into the building. Thus, even if there aren’t many days left before this club wins its first Conference Championship in thirty-two years, Ertz is prepared to work hard.
“Obviously, I don’t expect anything to be handed to me. Ertz declared, “I want to earn whatever reps I get.” “In general, I’m not here to incite conflict or disobedience. I’m just here to help the boys in any way I can, and maybe I can impart some knowledge to Sam or some of these young hotties. and when my number is called, I’ll play as hard as I can.
Ertz is eager to work with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta in the interim and hopes to help him improve even more.
Ertz remarked, “I’m excited to get to know him better.” It’s obvious that everyone here thinks highly of him, and for good reason. He’s had an incredible first season. You know he’s tough even after witnessing him be hurt and then be able to play the next week. That appeared far worse than it actually was. I am aware that being outside hurts. I believe that he has no limits.
