“He’s a guy who helps all the time.”
What percentage of us can be described in such a way? We are typically too concerned about our space, our comfort, our security, our happiness; consequently, we look out for what helps us, what advantages us.
Yet, this is how second-year Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott recently described veteran teammate Zach Ertz. Young players, drafted high in the draft are often a source of discomfort for NFL veterans. Not a few veterans have refused to be a resource for young players at their position. They have also then gone the next step, justifying their self-centeredness, commenting that their job description is not to help younger players.
Apparently, Ertz sees his role with the Commanders very differently. “My whole two years here, I’ve been able to just pick his brain and ask him anything,” Sinnott said, via Zach Selby of commanders.com. So why would Ertz be so different during his two years here in Washington? His career was clearly trending downward. After excellent seasons with the Eagles, the Eagles determined it was time to move on and sent Ertz to the Cardinals. The Cardinals then released Ertz, as did the Lions.
Signing with Washington at age 33, after being released by the Cardinals and then the Lions, Ertz had been around the NFL block more than a few times. He certainly knew this was his last NFL opportunity. Yet, there he was, according to Sinnott, “He taught me so much about the routine, the consistency with the work every day. He’s a guy who’s in the same spot at every time … He has such a consistency about him.”
Even more, did you see the clip in episode 3 of “Hard Knocks” featuring Ertz? There was Ertz, cast on his leg, in need of crutches to get around from one location to another. He could have been sitting at home grumbling about his career probably ending with the ACL tear. But no, Ertz was using his time, teaching Sinnott, through a film session, how to improve at noticing how defenders react and defend on the field.
It’s one thing to say, “Anyway, I can help you, let me know.” But though Zach Ertz can’t help on the field anymore, he is still looking for ways to use his time and knowledge to help his team.