The Truth Comes Out: Zach Ertz Reveals What Really Happened in Heated Exchange with Nick Sirianni
Following the Washington Commanders’ 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week, Commanders tight end Zach Ertz and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had to be separated after they got into a heated postgame exchange, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Video of the incident found its way to social media on Thursday, which seemed to affirm exactly what the Enquirer reported happened between the two, who were both members of the Eagles back in 2021.
Per the Enquirer, Ertz went to shake Sirianni’s hand after the game ended and upon seeing he was not happy he decided to give him a high-five instead. Sirianni reportedly responded out of frustration, mocking Ertz for his lone catch in the game, which prompted the 34-year-old tight end to get in Sirianni’s face.
Before things escalated, Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro, who went viral last season for getting into a sideline altercation with San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, jumped in and broke things up before they got even more out of hand.
But despite what’s been said and written about the altercation, Ertz told reporters on Thursday that what happened was made to look worse than it actually was, and he debunked any notion there was real bad blood between himself and his former coach.
“Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there and we still have a great relationship,” Ertz stated. “It’s definitely been blown way out of proportion. 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 [was] a misunderstanding. But him and I are fine. Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building.”
For his part, Sirianni admitted to reporters on Thursday that he called Ertz later on to apologize for his reaction and for things escalating the way that they did.
“I’ll just keep all of my conversations with any guys private,” Sirianni said,
via ESPN. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person to be around. I really got a lot of respect for Zach and all the good things that he’s done and my relationship with him.”
