Veteran Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles so it was a homecoming of sorts as those two teams squared off in the NFC championship game.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) hurdles Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the second half of the NFL Championship game between the Eagles and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Eagles won, 55-23. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Philadelphia and Washington met for a shot to advance to the Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, and Ertz did his part for the Commanders, catching 11 passes for 104 yards to lead all players in both categories. Afterward, Ertz had a special moment with former teammate and friend Fletcher Cox.

The Washington tight end played nine seasons for Philadelphia and returns for the NFC title game as one of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels's top receivers

Zach Ertz was terrific for the Washington Commanders in their NFC championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The longtime former Eagle caught 11 passes for 104 yards against his former team. It was his first 100-yard game of the season.

Commanders TE Zach Ertz, who spent the first eight and a half years of his career with the Eagles, returns to Philly for the NFC title game.

Sunday's NFC championship vs. the Philadelphia Eagles was certainly emotional for every Washington Commander, but it was probably more so for tight end Zach Ertz, who was facing off against his former team of nine seasons.

Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz says the Washington Commanders helped him “fall back in love with the game again.”