Philadelphia Sports: Top 10 athletes from last decade (2010-19)

No. 8: Zach Ertz

The reliability and durability of Zach Ertz has been a godsend for the Eagles over the past seven seasons, as the hulking tight end has paid massive dividends after being taken in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.

Ertz was a vital cog in the offense during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run from the 2017 season, and he earned his first Pro Bowl selection that year as well. He followed that up by posting an even more outstanding individual performance in 2018, one that saw him haul in 116 catches on the year.

It obliterated the Eagles’ franchise record of 90 receptions that was held by Brian Westbrook, and it also set a new NFL record for catches in a season by a tight end that was previously held by player-turned broadcaster-turned player again because he was terrible Jason Witten.

Ertz’s excellent career has him on track to move into the top five in career reception yardage by an Eagles player before the end of 2019. He also may be able to pass Harold Carmichael as soon as next season for the franchise’s all-time catches record.

That’s speculation, and Ertz can’t be ranked on what might (and probably will) happen, but his dominance at his position for an extended period of time puts him comfortably onto this list.