ASHBURN, Va. — As Zach Ertz reflected on his career late in 2023, he found himself grappling with uncertainty. After a year spent recovering from knee surgery and being out of the game, he questioned whether he could still compete at a high level. Yet, he has proven not only that he remains a formidable player but is also just one game away from potentially clinching another championship title.

Ertz, now back in Philadelphia for the NFC Championship game with the Washington Commanders, is poised to face the Eagles, the team with which he spent the first 8½ years of his NFL career. This match presents a unique opportunity as either he or his former team secures a spot in the Super Bowl.

“When the whistle blows, it’s not going to be about the nine years that I had there; it’s going to be about trying to make as many plays for this team as possible,” Ertz stated in anticipation of the game. He emphasized that he isn’t heading into this matchup with a goal to prove anything to naysayers; rather, his focus is on being the best version of himself for the Commanders.

At 34 years old, Ertz has rejuvenated his passion for the sport by playing under the guidance of coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, both of whom he is familiar with from his days at Arizona. Moreover, playing alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been beneficial for him. “Obviously playing with a quarterback like Jayden has helped a ton,” he remarked.

Ertz’s connection with Daniels has been evident this season, eclipsed only by the quarterback’s throws to top wide receiver Terry McLaurin. This connection has remained strong during the playoffs, with seven receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown in just the first two playoff games.

“Obviously, a tight end could be a quarterback’s best friend,” Daniels expressed, highlighting his reliance on Ertz’s experience and insights during significant moments in games. However, the journey to this point wasn’t without its challenges. After suffering a severe knee injury in 2022 that cut short his first full season with the Cardinals, Ertz faced an uncertain future.

Despite discussions around his potential value to a contender, he ended up unsigned for a period, leaving him in self-doubt about his career. Yet, everything changed in March when the Commanders came calling, giving him a chance to play again alongside people who trusted him and his abilities. “It was really an opportunity for me to just fall back in love with the game again,” Ertz reflected on his revival.

The Commanders notably excelled, finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record and advancing past tough competitors like Tampa Bay and Detroit, marking their first conference championship appearance in over three decades. Ertz stands out as one of the few on the roster who remembers the franchise’s last Super Bowl run.

His wealth of experience has made a significant impact on younger teammates, according to fourth-year tight end John Bates, who praised Ertz’s role as a mentor. “He’s been a reliable target for us in the pass game and has stepped into every situation that we need him in and made big plays,” Bates said.

Ertz, previously selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his tenure with the Eagles, is aware that he doesn’t dominate snaps on the field as he did in his prime. However, his reliability has made him an indispensable asset for the team, particularly in crunch-time scenarios.

Although he had limited action during the 2021 season with the Eagles leading to his trade, he remains connected to his past. The camaraderie with both quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Daniels speaks to his professional ethos and motivation. “He’s a very hard worker with his work ethic and all the time he put into taking care of his body,” Ertz remarked about Hurts.

After receiving an enthusiastic welcome in his earlier return to Philadelphia, Ertz acknowledges that this game will have a different intensity. His philanthropic work, through the Ertz Family Foundation, continues to resonate within the Philadelphia community that he holds dear.

“I understand the environment it’s going to be,” Ertz noted, speaking on the passionate support he expects as he competes in this crucial game.

For Ertz, this opportunity represents more than just a return to a former stadium; it’s about demonstrating that he remains a formidable force in the sport he loves. “I just wanted an opportunity to come out here and prove that I am still the same guy. It’s been awesome to be able to go out there and make plays for this team,” he concluded as he gears up for the high-stakes contest ahead.