Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz have been each other’s biggest cheerleaders since the day they met. From professional football fields to soccer stadiums, their relationship is a testament to love, dedication, and the power of partnership. As two athletes at the top of their respective sports, the Ertzes have navigated long-distance relationships, championship victories, and now parenthood—all while being steadfastly committed to one another.
If you’re wondering what makes this couple so special, buckle up because we’re diving into the heartwarming and inspiring relationship timeline of Zach and Julie Ertz.
A Chance Meeting in 2012: Where It All Began
It all started in 2012 at a Stanford University baseball game. Zach Ertz, who was playing football at Stanford, crossed paths with Julie (then Julie Johnston), a soccer star from Santa Clara University. Call it fate or just good timing, but that day sparked a connection that would eventually blossom into something extraordinary.
Zach, now 33 years old, and Julie, 32, were both young athletes with dreams of making it big. Their shared passion for sports laid the foundation for their relationship, but it was their unwavering support for each other that truly made their bond stand out.
The Long-Distance Chapter (2013)
Long-distance relationships are never easy, especially when both partners are chasing professional sports careers. In 2013, Zach and Julie found themselves apart, but distance didn’t weaken their connection—it strengthened it.
Julie, reflecting on the time apart, shared her feelings in a heartfelt Instagram post: “Just dropped off my best friend at the airport! Though full of tears, somehow we can always find a way to smile. Philly is so lucky to have you and I can’t wait to see all your hard work pay off!”
Zach was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL, while Julie continued to dominate the soccer field. Despite the miles between them, their relationship flourished.
2015: A Year of Triumph and Celebration
2015 was a monumental year for Julie. After winning the Women’s World Cup with the USWNT, Zach couldn’t hide his pride. “So proud of my baby @juliejohnston2! Such an amazing journey and now World Cup Champions!” he wrote on Instagram.
Moments like these showcased how they celebrated each other’s successes as if they were their own. Zach might have been playing football, but he was Julie’s biggest fan in the stands.
The Proposal (February 2016): A Full-Circle Moment
In 2016, Zach decided it was time to make things official. He popped the question at the Klein Field at Sunken Diamond in Stanford, the very place where they had first met.
“She said yes!! My best friend made this the best day of my life! #MrsErtz,” Zach shared on Instagram.
Julie, overjoyed, also expressed her excitement: “I get to spend forever with my best friend. The best day of my life!”
Wedding Bells (March 2017)
A year after their engagement, Zach and Julie tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. The wedding was filled with love, laughter, and, as Julie jokingly mentioned, Zach trying to keep up with her on the dance floor.
“Yesterday was EPIC!” Julie wrote after the wedding. “@zachertz my wonderful husband, thank you for loving me unconditionally.”
Championships and Shared Success (February 2018)
In 2018, Zach and the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. Julie, ever the supportive wife, was right there to celebrate his triumph.
“Congrats to my best friend. I am beyond proud of you!!!” she posted, with a photo of the two celebrating on the field.
For Zach, seeing Julie celebrate his win was a full-circle moment. Just a few years earlier, he had been in the stands for her World Cup victory.
Starting the Ertz Family Foundation (June 2018)
Later that year, the couple launched the Ertz Family Foundation. The foundation focuses on empowering others through faith, education, and sports. Their goal was simple—to give back to the communities that had given them so much.
Growing the Family (April 2022 – August 2024)
In April 2022, Zach and Julie announced they were expecting their first child. Their son, Madden, was born in August 2022, and the joy of becoming parents was evident in every social media post.
“One week already with our sweet boy! Madden Matthew Ertz, you are so loved,” Julie shared after his birth.
Fast forward to August 2024, and the Ertz family grew once again. The couple welcomed twin boys, Kace and Kyren, sharing the news with a heartwarming black-and-white photo of the newborns.
Where Are They Now?
As of 2024, Zach Ertz’s net worth is estimated at around $16 million, a reflection of his successful NFL career and endorsement deals. Julie, now retired from professional soccer, focuses on family and philanthropic efforts through their foundation.
Despite their busy lives, Zach and Julie remain grounded. They share the highs and lows, demonstrating that love, mutual respect, and shared goals are the keys to a strong relationship.
What Makes Their Relationship Special?
Zach and Julie Ertz show us that successful relationships aren’t about avoiding challenges but facing them together. From long-distance hurdles to balancing careers and family, they’ve built a partnership rooted in trust, love, and unwavering support.