Talk about a memorable day for the Ertz household.
U.S. women’s soccer star Julie Ertz scored a goal in a come-from-behind 5-1 win against reigning EURO Women’s runner-up Denmark in front of 17,526 fans at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego on Sunday night.
After the game was over, her focus shifted to Philadelphia to see if her husband, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, was headed to the Super Bowl. When she found out the good news, she was brought to tears.
As soon as the whistle blew here in San Diego, we had some good news for @julieertz…💚🦅@ZERTZ_86 & the @Eagles are heading to the @SuperBowl! pic.twitter.com/dI5MvG53VR
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 22, 2018
“I am so excited. Go Birds!” she said in an ESPN interview. “(Zach and I) were texting right until the last second we could text. I tried not to look at halftime, but people gave me the smile as if they knew something. But I couldn’t wait for the whistle … and they told me, and then I had to make sure from like 10 people that (the Eagles) are going (to the Super Bowl), and I am so excited.”
Zach, who had eight catches for 93 yards, immediately texted his wife that he made it to the Super Bowl as he made it to the locker room. But, he didn’t know about her emotional reaction captured on social media. That was until a reporter showed it to him, which brought the 6-foot 5 giant to tears.
This is amazing@ZERTZ_86 in tears watching his wife @julieertz in tears when she finds out Zach is going to Super Bowl #FlyEaglesFly #SuperBowl
From @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/OGfckZrMc4— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 22, 2018
“It’s, uh, emotional for me,” Zach said while holding back his tears. “I wish she was here obviously. Tough not having her here, but I can’t wait to have her here to celebrate with me.”
“I’m just so proud of Zach,” Julie said to Sports Illustrated. “Being an athlete myself, I see all the hard work I do in my sports, so it’s really cool to see your spouse doing it too. It’s really cool to be a part of his career. It’s a really unique experience. I don’t take any of it for granted.”
Julie and Zach understand that their success on the field gives them a greater platform. And they want to use it to lead others to Christ.
“Being able to go out there and preach the Word … I think it’s an honor to be able to do that in this platform.” Zach said.
Related Stories:
– Eagles Zach Ertz, wife Julie, looking to use their platform to reach others for Christ
– Philadelphia Eagles players say Bible study and getting in God’s word daily is vital
– Football Sunday 2018: Malcolm Jenkins on Serving Others
