Zach and Julie Ertz are nearing a decade of marriage and recently welcomed twin boys to their growing family. However, their journey together hasn’t always been easy.
In an exclusive interview, Zach, 34, a tight end for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, and Julie, 32, a former Team USA soccer star, opened up about the challenges they faced when they first started dating in 2012.
“I think the hardest thing for us in the beginning is that we did distance for a really long time,” said Julie, who spoke to Us through the couple’s partnership with Russell Stover.
“In order to chase our dreams in sports, I was in Chicago with the national team. We traveled all the time. Zach was in Philly.”
Zach joined the Washington Commanders in March 2024 after playing 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. Julie, known for her impact on the U.S. women’s national soccer team, played for the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Chicago Red Stars from 2014 to 2021.
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The couple tied the knot in March 2017 and welcomed their first son, Madden, in August 2022. After taking a year-and-a-half break from professional soccer, Julie signed with the NWSL’s Angel City FC.
That period, she said, was a time of learning for both her and Zach as they navigated “trying to balance time with our newborn.”
“I think what we learned through that time is communication and supporting each other,” Julie reflected. “I think that has helped a lot, for sure. I think our faith is a big component of that, as well.
Zach and Julie Ertz (Photo: Getty Images)
But just communicating what our needs are and how to support each other in whatever season of life that we’re going through.”
Looking ahead, Zach shared how their early long-distance struggles helped them understand that “it’s just a season of your life.”
“Julie just retired after an amazing career. I’m towards the back end of my career,” he told Us. “It’s just about understanding that no matter how hard something is during the time, there’s going to be a time where we’re under the same roof every day.”
In August 2024, Zach and Julie welcomed twin boys, Kace and Kyren. With their growing family, they applied the lessons they learned from their athletic careers to parenthood.
Zach and Julie Ertz Reflect on Tough Long-Distance Days of Their Relationship
“You have to have a routine,” Zach explained. “You have to be able to communicate. Being athletes, the routine has been a huge part of our lives. Trying to get them on a sleep schedule as quickly as possible, understanding that it’s not going to be perfect. We live with a lot of grace and mercy with each other, as well as with the kids.”
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Despite their busy lives, Zach and Julie still prioritize their relationship, especially when it comes to a particular holiday.
“Valentine’s Day is such an important, strong part of our relationship,” Zach said. “Just having the opportunity to really take a day in February to celebrate one another.”
As Julie put it simply, their collaboration with Russell Stover’s Tackle Valentine’s Day sweepstakes was an easy decision. “Chocolate and Valentine’s Day? It wasn’t a hard partnership to come together and love.”
