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Tim McManus, ESPN writer
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized to Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz after their heated exchange on Sunday, a league source confirmed.
The two met on the field after the Commanders’ 36-33 victory over Philadelphia. Apparently not liking the power with which Ertz collided with him, Sirianni mocked Ertz for having little impact on the game, the source said.
Ertz, who was coming off a concussion, had one catch for 12 yards on two targets.
Taking exception to Sirianni’s comments, Ertz confronted Sirianni. The situation was defused by Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro.
The incident was first reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Sirianni later called Ertz to apologize, the source said.
“I will keep all my conversations with any guy private,” Sirianni said Thursday. “I have a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person. I really have a lot of respect for Zach and all the good things he’s done and my relationship with him.”
Ertz said Thursday that he did not want to go into details about what happened Sunday.
“Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there, and we still have a great relationship. It’s definitely been blown out of proportion. We talked. We’re fine. There’s no hard feelings on my part and I don’t think there’s any hard feelings on his part,” he said. “It’s just something in the heat of the moment that was probably blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding. But he and I are fine. “Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building, but at the same time, I love it here.”
Ertz played the first eight years of his career with the Eagles and is one of the most successful pass catchers in franchise history. He ranks second all-time in receptions (579) and fifth in receiving yards (6,267).
Ertz scored the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots, helping the Eagles capture their only Lombardi Trophy.
He played six games with Sirianni during the 2021 season before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in October of that season. A source said there were no real problems between the two during their time together in Philadelphia.
ESPN’s John Keim contributed to this report.
