Eagles coach Nick Sirianni reportedly took exception with the strength of the high-five Commanders tight end Zach Ertz hit him with after Sunday’s game between the two teams. That prompted Sirianni to mock Ertz’s lack of impact in the game after Ertz made one catch for 12 yards.
Ertz then went after Sirianni before Eagles head of security Dom DiSandro separated them.
Sirianni later reportedly apologized in a Zoom call and said Thursday, “I’ll just keep my conversations with any guys private. I’ve got a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person to be around. I’ve really got a lot of respect for Zach, and all the good things that he’s done, and my relationship with him.”
Ertz spent his first eight-plus seasons with the Eagles, but played only six games for Sirianni in 2021 before the team traded him to Arizona.
Ertz didn’t deny the altercation but said it’s been “blown way out of proportion.”
“Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there, and we still have a great relationship. It’s definitely been blown way out of proportion,” Ertz said, via John Keim of ESPN. “We spoke. We’re good. There’s no ill feelings on my part, and I don’t think there are any ill feelings on his part. It’s just something in the heat of the moment that probably got blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding. But him and I are fine. Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building, but at the same time, I love being here.”
Ertz’s career contributions to the Eagles — 579 receptions, 6,267 receiving yards and the go-ahead touchdown catch in Super Bowl LII — won’t be forgotten anytime soon by Eagles fans.