More details regarding Nick Sirianni’s clash with former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz have been revealed.
After the Washington Commanders’ 36-33 win over the Eagles, the fiery head coach seemingly got into it with Ertz, with the two seemingly unwilling to divulge the contents of their conversation that led to the very brief kerfuffle. When asked about the altercation, Sirianni claimed the two were congratulating each other on a job well done.
On the other hand, Ertz told reporters that the two were “exchanging holiday pleasantries,” despite what it looked in real time. However, it appears as if there was more being left out of the scuffle than what was originally stated.
Frustrated by how the Eagles played against the Commanders, Sirianni made his displeasure known at Ertz. The two then had to be separated by Eagles security, namely Dom “Big Dom” DiSandro, who led the head coach into the tunnel and away from the 34-year-old and other Commanders players, per unCovering the Birds.
After the fact, Sirianni called Ertz after the confrontation to apologize, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. Speaking with reporters Thursday, the Eagles head coach made it clear how much respect he has for his former player, whom he coached in his first year in Philadelphia. “I’ll just keep all of my conversations with any guys private,” Sirianni said, according to ESPN.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person to be around. I really got a lot of respect for Zach and all the good things that he’s done and my relationship with him.”
Ertz echoed Sirianni’s sentiments, downplaying the incident and shared that the two of them have sorted out their differences, which ultimately led to their altercation after the game. “I’m not really going to get into the specifics, but just two people that really love to compete,” the former Eagles tight end began, according to Sports Illustrated.
“Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there, we still have a great relationship. I think it’s definitely been blown way out of proportion. We spoke, we’re good. There’s no ill feelings on my part and I don’t think there’s any ill feelings on his part.”
The former Super Bowl champion also added that anything regarding his and his former head coach’s spat is embellishing the truth of what actually happened. “Just something in the heat of the moment,” Ertz continued.
“Probably got blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding but at the end of the day, he and I are fine. Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building, but at the same time, I love being here. So everything’s been blown way out of proportion.”
With the dust-up between Sirianni and Ertz seemingly resolved, the Eagles will turn their attention to star quarterback Jalen Hurts’ status in the final weeks of the season. Against the Commanders, the star appeared to hit his head on the ground after being tackled by Frankie Luvu and quickly ruled out with a concussion.
Kenny Pickett, who replaced Hurts against the Commanders, also is dealing with a rib issue. As such, Philadelphia signed quarterback Ian Book to its practice squad in hopes of bolstering the attack as the Eagles determine how long Hurts will be sidelined.
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