Tense conclusion On January 24, Zach Ertz sent hints to the media that he wouldn’t take advantage of his first chance at free agency. He had an injury earlier in the season, and his son is 17 months old.
However, Ertz also admitted to the media that the opportunity to sign with the Detroit Lions was too good to pass up.
“If I was going to leave [home] at this time of year, I wanted to have the right opportunity,” Ertz stated to the media. Being here beside these men. gaining knowledge from a tight end for a head coach. It seemed like something I had to accept.
On January 24, Ertz was formally added to the Lions practice squad. That came two days after Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed the Lions intended to sign the seasoned tight end.
If added to the NFC championship game roster, Ertz might assist in taking Brock Wright’s place at tight end. Wright was placed on injured reserve by the Lions on January 24.
TE Zach Ertz is excited to collaborate with Sam LaPorta and adores Lions player Dan Campbell.
Ertz will be in Detroit for a maximum of two and a half weeks. But despite the high probability of a short stay, the seasoned tight end seemed quite excited to be joining the Lions.
When questioned by media about the Lions head coach, Ertz replied, “I love Dan.” We spoke for twenty minutes yesterday, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in front of the team because I’ve always respected him a lot.
He’s a guy that consistently plays his tight ends correctly. I’m therefore happy to be with him.
This season, Ertz identified as a Lions fan from a distance. He was also very complimentary of Sam LaPorta, the rookie tight end.
It will be interesting to learn more about him. It’s obvious that everyone here thinks highly of him, and for good reason, Ertz remarked. “He’s had an incredible first year. For him, the sky is the limit. It’s clear that he is far superior to me in my rookie status. I’m therefore happy to be with him.
Ertz Has Experience in NFL Playoffs and Super Bowls
With less than a week to become familiar with Detroit’s attack, Ertz may be able to participate in the most significant game of the season thus far. That’s a heavy burden.
However, Ertz’s prior experience working with Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden is helpful. When Zach Ertz played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, Heiden was their tight ends coach.
The fact that Ertz has won NFC championships and Super Bowls before obviously helps. During the 2017–18 season, he and the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl.
Ertz emphasized that prioritizing the team over individuals is the key to success this far into the playoffs.
“By the time you reach this stage of the season, you should be playing the most unselfish football possible. Right now, it’s all about the team, according to Ertz. “The numbers are meaningless. How many catches I had in the NFC championship game or the Super Bowl matters not a bit to anyone. The fact that we won those games is all that matters to them.
“Anyone with the chance to succeed must take it and go for it. In terms of special teams, defense, or offense. I will assist the boys in any way that I can.
