Commanders’ Zach Ertz couldn’t hold his tears after being carted off the field following injury.
Zach Ertz has seen a lot in his long NFL career. He has battled through tough seasons, fought through injuries, and delivered big moments when his team needed him most. But on Sunday, things felt different. Things felt heavier. And for Commanders fans watching, it was painful to see the tight end sitting on a cart, fighting back tears as he was driven away from the field during game against Minnesota Vikings.
Zach Ertz was visibly emotional leaving the field after this injury pic.twitter.com/RDBJGoWD5s
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) December 7, 2025
The Washington Commanders tight end took the field in his team’s game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday … and, with about 2 minutes left in the third quarter, he jumped to try and catch a pass from QB Marcus Mariota.
While in the air, Vikings safety Jay Ward leaned down and went straight through Ertz leg … causing his knee to bend like elastic. It’s a brutal hit … so, watch at your own risk.
Ertz was carted off the field … and, Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn told reporters the concern at this point is that the veteran star tore his ACL on the play.
A man is supposed to hold back his tears but that wasn’t the case for Zach Ertz.
While he was being driven off, Ertz could be seen becoming visibly emotional … understandable given the pain and frustration of the moment alone — though some online are wondering if there was an even more emotional reason behind the tears.
In moments like this, football feels very small. It becomes less about the scoreboard and more about the human being lying on the ground. Seeing him emotional reminded everyone that even the strongest athletes can break.
