Zach Ertz, the star tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles in his initial eight years of career, is all about athleticism and dedication. When it comes to football, his talent and family support equally shaped his success. The 34-year veteran credits his parents, Doug and Lisa Ertz, for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance. As the saying goes, “Hard work runs in the family, ” which definitely rings true when it comes to the Ertz family.

But that is not all for the Ertz family, folks. While Zach now plays for the Washington Commanders after successfully signing a year-long contract earlier this year, his mother Lisa is working to secure young athletes from concussion and his father Doug has spent his earlier years on the football field as well.

Who is Zach Ertz’s mother?

Usually, you won’t find an athlete’s mother making headlines in the world of football, but Lisa Ertz has made a name for herself for player safety on the football field. When her son Shane’s football career came to an abrupt end in 2011 due to a concussion, and with Zach still playing in college, it lit a fire in Lisa to push for better safety in the game.

Her resentment towards the leading concussion led Lisa to team up with VICIS, widely known for making the Zer0 1 helmet. The VICIS, a non-profit organization that designs the Zero 1 helmet, guarantees a reduction in force impacts during a collision between players and prevents concussion. In 2017, the helmet secured first spot among 33 helmets when NFL conducted a safety test.

Right now, Ertz’s mother, Lisa, is the president of VICIS, a company focused on improving player safety for young athletes. Even though Ertz parted ways with the Eagles in 2021, Lisa has stayed in Philly since moving there permanently after separating with his dad.

Who is the Commanders’ TE’s father?

The star tight end’s father is not only his biggest supporter but also has a football background. Douglas Ertz played for Lehigh University from 1981 to 1984, which sets his perspective towards being Zach’s biggest supporter. Though he didn’t manage to make to the NFL as Ertz Sr. moved to California for work right after graduating from college.

Bidding farewell to football in his younger years, Ertz’s father now works in a software company. Doug and Lisa played a huge role in the TE’s life, especially when it came to choosing football—despite basketball being his first love growing up. While Doug and Lisa have separated their ways during his sophomore year at college, Zach Ertz can often be seen talking about his healthy relationship with parents.