Exclusive: Zach Ertz Praises Dan Quinn’s Leadership, Calls Sam LaPorta NFL’s Most Underrated Tight End

Zach Ertz knows the Washington Commanders have huge expectations heading into the 2025 season.

The Commanders emerged as the biggest surprise in the NFL last season, posting a 12-5 record while advancing all the way to the NFC Championship Game, their first appearance in the conference championship since the 1991 season.

Ertz was a major reason for that as the 34-year-old turned in his best season since 2019, posting 66 receptions for 654 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. 

The veteran tight end emerged as Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels' second-favorite receiving weapon behind Terry McLaurin.

"My goal every year is to play every game, and so the process of playing every game doesn't start in July when you report for training camp, it starts the moment I started training in February after we finished our season," Ertz told SportsBoom.com in a one-on-one interview. 

"It is a 365-day a year job for me. I love being able to just callous the body throughout the off season, to be able to be at my best on Sundays."

Zach Ertz Gives Major Props to Dan Quinn

The 13th-year tight end gives major credit to his head coach Dan Quinn for helping him take care of his body, something that is pivotal considering he's the second-oldest tight end in the NFL behind Travis Kelce. Ertz played in all 17 games last season for the first time since the 2021 season.

"Coach (Dan) Quinn does a phenomenal job of taking care of me and some of the other guys at later stages in their careers, because he understands just the wear and tear we've experienced over our careers," says Ertz. 

"Played a lot of football, so didn't practice Wednesdays last year, but I was able to get another good lift in during the week, and I think that allowed me to stay explosive, stay healthy, and that's really what I'm working on now, is trying to be at my best for the season."

As far as what he's looking to improve upon this season compared to last, he mentions continuing to be a "leader" of the Commanders. Ertz is the oldest starter on offense. He also once again hammers home about wanting to play every game.

"Improvement, obviously, is just continuing to be a leader of the team, find small ways to get better," says Ertz. 

"The best thing about sports is you're never a perfect player, and so there's always something to work on. For me, it's just fine tuning little things. How can I get 1-to-2% better this year? That's why I got great coaches around me to push me to find little ways to get better. I'm so excited about it. That's why I love the process, I love the sport, and I'm excited about it."

Kittle Is Best Tight End, Sam LaPorta Is 'Most Underrated'

Ertz is obviously one of the most accomplished tight ends in the game, so when he comments on who he thinks is the best player at the position, you take notice. 

The three-time Pro Bowler considers George Kittle to be the best tight end in the league, but says the Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta is the most underrated player at the position.

"I'd say George Kittle is the best tight end in the league," says Ertz. 

"I think the most underrated tight end in the league is Sam LaPorta. I love the guy. I think he's one of the best tight ends in the league. I think he's going to be one of the best tight ends for a long time."

LaPorta posted a Pro Bowl and All-Pro campaign in 2023 after producing 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie season. However, his numbers took a dip during his second season when he posted 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, Ertz points towards the fact that the Lions have such a stacked offensive supporting cast that it makes it hard at times to feature LaPorta.

"They just have so many mouths to feed in that offense that he might not put up the biggest stats," says Ertz. 

"In my opinion, if he was in an offense where he was the No. 1 or No. 2 option, his stats would be crazy. He can do it all, he's wired the right way. He approaches the game the right way. I think Sam is going to be one of the best tight ends in the league, if not the best tight end in the league for a long time."