Zach Ertz' 2024 season ended in the familiar confines of Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.
He made it clear Monday that his career won't conclude there.
Ertz intends to play in 2025 and he's hoping it will be with the Washington Commanders, but his future roster isn't quite as certain as his intent to play is.
"I don't know what the future holds," Ertz told reporters Monday, a day after the Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. "I still want to play football next year. I just want to make that clear that I'm not retiring."
The 34-year-old Ertz has also made it clear that his season with Washington made him fall in love all over again with the game of football. Thus, he was a perfect fit with Washington head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and they with him.
So, he's excited to return to the field for lucky Year 13.
"Just 'cause I had so much fun this year," said Ertz, who had NFC title game highs of 11 receptions and 104 receiving yards. "I feel rejuvenated, I feel young. It's the most amount of games I've played in a season at 34. I felt like I played good football this year. So, for me it's just figuring out everything going forward. They know how I feel about this place."
Indeed, Ertz played his first 17-game season in 2024.
It came after playing a combined 17 games from 2022-23 with the Arizona Cardinals. Following eight-plus seasons and three Pro Bowls with the Eagles to begin his career, Ertz was traded to the Cardinals. It was with Arizona that he got to know the team's then-head coach, Kingsbury.
Ertz reunited with Kingsbury in Washington, signing a one-year deal. Along with dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, an outstanding and productive union was had.
Ertz had 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns.
So, why not run it back? Well, the Commanders will have a say in that.
"Obviously it's a two-way street," Ertz said. "I can bang down the door saying I want to be here, but if they don't want me here, then it's a moot point."
Washington forged a resplendent season, going 12-5 to earn its first playoff berth since 2020 and then marching to the NFC title game for the first time since 1991.
Ertz played a pivotal role in the club's turnaround and minced no words in his intention of coming back to play and hoping it will be as a Commander.
In the immediate future, though, he's ready for some rest and revitalization.
"This next month for me, is really a time to take a step back, get my body back to where it needs to be," he said. "Take a little bit of rest. For me, when I say I want to play football, it's not just showing up in August saying getting ready to play football. It really is a year-round thing for me."
After he's recharged, Ertz is optimistic he can turn in another campaign like the one that just ended -- perhaps even more impressive.
Said the tight end: "I still feel like at this age I can get better."
