“Two people that really love to compete”- Commanders TE Zach Ertz plays down any animosity with Eagles HC Nick Sirianni, claims media Blew it up
Zach Ertz claimed he and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni only exchanged pleasantries after the week 16 fixture but the media morphed it into a heated skirmish between them.
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Nick Sirianni and Zach Ertz (Image via IMAGO/ESPN)
The NFC West was blown wide open after the Washington Commanders came back from behind to win against rivals the Philadelphia Eagles in week 16. The tension did not end with the final whistle; in fact, Commanders tight end Zac Ertz and the Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, shared a heated argument while making their way to the locker room.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Eagles’ head of security, Big ‘Dom’ DiSandro, stepped in to make sure the skirmish was only limited to words and nothing else. During the post-game presser, the media asked Ertz about what transpired between the two. The 3x Pro Bowler provided a rather diplomatic answer.
I’m not really going to get into the specifics. Just two people that really love to compete.
Zach Ertz said, according to Ben Standing of The Athletic.
Ertz and Sirianni worked together in Philadelphia for a few years before the 34-year-old moved away to play for teams such as the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions.
Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there; we still have a great relationship. I think it’s definitely been blown way out of proportion.
Zach Ertz added.
Zach Ertz on the reported kerfuffle postgame with Nick Sirianni. Said it's "been blown way out of proportion." pic.twitter.com/FOpmsw4whh
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 26, 2024
However, Ertz highlighted that something did go down, but it wasn’t very serious for the media to make it sound so hyperbolic.
Just something in the heat of the moment. Probably got blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding, but at the end of the day, he and I are fine.
Zach Ertz added.
A short video later documented the heated moment between Ertz and Sirianni.
Here’s the video of the heated interaction between Nick Sirianni & Zach Ertz
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) December 26, 2024
Ertz goes for the high-five & Sirianni says a few words to him as he passes by him. This prompts Ertz to turn around & confront the Eagles HC.
(🎥:@JohnDoranTV) https://t.co/Bc3XPaXYyw pic.twitter.com/xqfea3HLnF
Nick Sirianni owned up to the heated altercation with Zach Ertz
Ertz hasn’t had the best of seasons for his new team, and one reception for 12 yards against the Eagles wasn’t something to write home about. It was a disappointing day on a personal level but for the Eagles, losing meant giving up ground to the Commanders for the divisional title and falling behind in the race for the NFC Top Seed.
Sirianni was naturally unhappy with the result, and the frustration flared up at full-time. He is popular for wearing his emotions on his sleeve but at the same time, he also knows how to do damage control. The Eagles’ official transcript revealed Sirianni issued a formal apology for his behavior.
Zach is an all-time Eagle and was really honored to be around him. he’s still playing at a high level in this part of his career. So, going through that and him moving on, us moving on in the organization, him getting another fresh start, that was always a tough one because I did really come to really value Zach Ertz the person, Zach Ertz the player. Enjoyed the time I had around him.
Nick Sirianni said.
The Eagles must win the final two games against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, which will improve their record to 14 wins, giving them a shot at a postseason bye week and another Divisional title. The Commanders welcome the Atlanta Falcons and finish the campaign with a trip to Dallas.
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Ishan Misra
(2962 Articles Published)