If you’ve spent any time watching a Philadelphia Eagles game over the last decade, you’ve probably seen the camera pan to a blonde woman in the stands, usually wearing an oversized jersey and screaming her lungs out. Commentators often introduce her as Zach Ertz wife, a title that is factually correct but also wildly insufficient.
Her name is Julie Ertz. And honestly? Calling her a "WAG" is like calling a Ferrari a "decent way to get to the grocery store."
While Zach was busy becoming one of the most reliable tight ends in NFL history, Julie was busy becoming arguably the most dominant defensive force in the history of women’s international soccer. This isn’t just a story about a "supportive spouse." It’s about a two-time World Cup champion, a two-time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, and a woman who once played an entire World Cup cycle while the world wondered if she’d ever actually come back after having a kid.
The Sunflower Seed Meet-Cute
Most people think elite athletes meet at some high-end gala or through a fancy agent. Nope. Zach and Julie met at a Stanford baseball game in 2012.
Zach was a standout for the Cardinal football team. Julie (then Julie Johnston) was a star at nearby Santa Clara University. They were sitting next to each other in the bleachers. Zach, in a move that is peak college athlete, offered her some of his sunflower seeds. They ended up talking the whole game.
Their first real date? Chipotle.
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Basically, they were just two college kids who liked tacos and sports. They had no idea that within a few years, they would both be world champions in their respective fields. By 2013, Zach was drafted by the Eagles, and Julie was making her debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT).
They managed a long-distance relationship for years. Think about that. You’re trying to make it in the NFL, she’s traveling to France, Canada, and Japan. They reportedly only spent a few months together in the same city during those early years.
Why Julie Ertz Is More Than Just a Famous Spouse
To understand why Julie is a legend in her own right, you have to look at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
In 2015, she was a center-back. She played every single minute of that tournament. She was the "enforcer." If a striker tried to get into the box, Julie was there to physically—and sometimes quite literally—remove them from the play.
By 2019, she had shifted to defensive midfield. This is the "Number 6" role. It’s the least flashy job on the field but the most important. She was the bridge between the defense and the attack. When the USWNT won back-to-back titles, Julie was the engine.
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The Awards That Set Her Apart
- Two-time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year (2017, 2019).
- 2014 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
- FIFA FIFPro Women's World XI (twice).
- 123 Caps for the USWNT.
There’s a specific kind of grit Julie brought to the pitch. She wasn’t just skilled; she was terrifying to play against. She had this "crunching tackle" style that made her a fan favorite. When she announced her retirement in August 2023, the soccer world didn't just lose a player; they lost the literal backbone of the team.
The "Ertz" Brand of Philanthropy
You can’t talk about Zach Ertz wife without mentioning the Ertz Family Foundation. They started it in 2018, shortly after Zach won the Super Bowl and Julie was at the peak of her powers.
They don't just put their names on a letterhead. During their time in Philadelphia, they were deeply involved in the North Philly community. They launched the "House of Hope" project, which provides Wi-Fi, food, and education for kids in underserved areas.
When Zach was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, and later when he moved around to the Lions and Commanders, they took that mission with them. They've donated hundreds of thousands of meals. They talk a lot about their faith, which is clearly the "glue" that keeps their marriage together while moving between cities.
Returning After Pregnancy: The Madden Era
In August 2022, they welcomed their son, Madden Matthew Ertz.
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Most people thought that was it for Julie’s career. She was 30, she’d won everything, and she’d been off the pitch for 18 months. But Julie wanted her son to see her play. She signed with Angel City FC in the NWSL and worked her way back into world-class shape in record time.
She made the 2023 World Cup roster. Even though the USWNT had their earliest exit ever that year, Julie was one of the few bright spots. She played center-back again, filling in for an injured Becky Sauerbrunn. She didn't miss a beat.
Then, she walked away.
She retired on her own terms. She wanted to be a mom and be with Zach, who was still grinding in the NFL. In early 2025, the family grew even more when they welcomed twin boys, Kace and Kyren. Life for the Ertz family is now officially chaotic, and they seem to love it.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Julie’s career was secondary to Zach’s. In the sports world, they are equals. In many international circles, Julie is actually the more famous one.
When you look at the stats, Julie’s win percentage with the USWNT is staggering. Out of 122 games over a decade, she was part of 100 wins and only 5 losses. That is a level of dominance that few NFL players—even the greats—ever touch.
Practical Lessons from the Ertz Marriage
- Prioritize the Foundation: They often talk about their "F3 Method"—Faith, Family, and Football (or Futbol). It gives them a framework for making big life decisions, like trades or retirement.
- Shared Sacrifice: They spent nearly a decade living apart for half the year to support each other's dreams.
- Exit Gracefully: Julie knew when her "heart wasn't in the sacrifices" anymore. Walking away at the top is a skill.
To see what Julie is up to now, you can follow her work with the Ertz Family Foundation. They are currently focusing on youth sports and education initiatives that bridge the gap for kids who lack resources. If you're looking for a deep dive into her specific training regimen or her post-retirement business ventures, checking the foundation's official updates is the best place for real-time info.