Philadephia Eagles TE Zach Ertz has Jason Witten’s respect

Does anybody else remember that time Jason Witten did something for Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz, that he had never done for anyone else?

One day, probably after this season, Jason Witten is going to hang the cleats up, and he’s actually going to stay retired. When he does, the clock will begin ticking. Then, once he’s eligible, his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be certain. One day, when Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz calls it a career (hopefully, that will be a while), he’ll be on Canton watch as well.

As some of the old school players used to say, game recognizes game. These NFL stars can see the greatness in one another. To be honest, it’s hard to imagine that anyone can understand you more than the guys on the other sideline that just spent three hours trying to beat you.

A year ago, Witten had a chance to see Ertz up close and personal for what he thought would be a final time, and when their three-hour duel was over, Jason Witten did something for Zach Ertz that he had never done for anyone else. He gave him his game jersey.

Take a look.

Sure, in a rivalry, the trash talk happens. In a rivalry, the hits are a little harder, and the celebrations are a little more intense when big plays happen. To be honest, Witten’s return may have tarnished our memory of him slightly. He seemingly went from being ‘the guy’ to being ‘a guy’, but one thing is certain.

Whether they want to admit it or not, Eagles fans have nothing but respect for Jason Witten. With all of the damage that he’s done to so many of Philly’s plans, it’s hard not to. Sure, as a rival, in some ways they’re glad that he’s gone. Still, the respect will always be there, and Philly’s respect for him mirrors the respect that he has for Ertz. Yes, game recognizes game.