Zach Ertz's 2021 season might be over, but that doesn't mean the tight end is done receiving league recognition.
Ertz is a finalist for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, named after the social pioneer and Pro Football Hall of Famer. It's the highest honor the NFLPA can award a player viewed to positively impact his team's community.
The winner will be determined by a league-wide player vote and announced Super Bowl week at the NFLPA's annual press conference.
Ertz was named the NFLPA’s Week 9 Community MVP after launching a program that provides meals for Arizona food banks and creates safe spaces for Philadelphia youth. In addition to receiving the honor, the NFLPA donated $10,000 to Ertz's charity of choice.
Ertz's season on the field was as productive. The three-time Pro Bowler had 574 yards on 56 receptions and 81 targets in 11 games after the midseason trade from the Eagles, making Ertz the first Cardinals tight end with at least 500 yards in a season since Freddie Jones two decades ago.
Ertz is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March.
His work as a tight end has been well known. But he has also long been well known in his community, having accomplished much in his time in Philadelphia and then immediately bringing that community effort to Arizona after he was dealt.
"My wife Julie and I are so honored to be recognized by the NFLPA for the work we are doing in the places that we love so much – Philadelphia and Arizona," Ertz said in November.
"Both places have embraced us and loved us, and we feel grateful to give back to everyone in such a meaningful way through the Ertz Family Foundation."
