Julie Ertz established herself as one of the defining players of a golden generation for the United States women’s national team, winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups, an Olympic bronze medal and multiple individual honours during a career that transformed her into one of the sport’s most influential midfielders.
Equally effective as a defender and holding midfielder, Ertz became known for her leadership, relentless work rate and ability to control matches on the biggest stages.
Her club success with the Chicago Red Stars and Angel City FC, combined with a decorated international career, placed her among the most respected footballers of her era.
Away from football, Ertz is married to NFL tight end Zach Ertz, creating one of American sport’s most recognisable power couples.
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Julie Ertz Biography
She was born on April 6, 1992, in Mesa, Arizona, before growing up in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Sport played a central role in family life from an early age.
Her parents, David and Kristi Johnston, encouraged both Julie and her older sister, Melanie Johnston, to participate in athletics throughout childhood.
Melanie also developed into a talented footballer, and the sisters frequently trained and competed together during their youth careers.
Julie Ertz began playing organised football through local youth programmes before joining Sereno Soccer Club, one of Arizona’s strongest development academies.
Those early years shaped the aggressive, disciplined style that would later define her professional career.
She quickly developed a reputation for versatility, leadership and competitiveness, qualities that helped her become one of the country’s highest-rated youth prospects.
Ertz attended Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona, where she balanced academics with elite youth football.
Following graduation, she accepted a scholarship to Santa Clara University, one of the most successful programmes in NCAA women’s football.
At Santa Clara, Ertz became one of college football’s outstanding defenders. Across four seasons between 2010 and 2013, she developed into an All-American and one of the nation’s premier collegiate players.
Her performances earned widespread recognition while preparing her for both professional football and the United States national team.
Career
Julie Ertz arrived at Santa Clara as one of America’s top defensive prospects and immediately secured a regular place in the Broncos’ starting lineup.
She finished her college career having started virtually every match she played while earning multiple All-West Coast Conference and All-American honours.
By the time she graduated, Ertz had established herself as one of the leading defensive players available for both the National Women’s Soccer League and the senior United States national team.
Julie entered professional football as one of the most accomplished defenders in American college football. Her transition from the collegiate game to the professional level proved almost seamless, but what followed was even more remarkable.
During her career, Ertz successfully reinvented herself from one of the world’s best central defenders into one of the game’s elite defensive midfielders, a move that extended her influence for both club and country.
Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars selected Ertz with the third overall pick in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League Draft.
She immediately established herself as one of the league’s best young defenders. Ertz became a regular starter during her rookie campaign and quickly earned a reputation for consistency, leadership and physicality.
Her performances helped Chicago become one of the NWSL’s most competitive clubs throughout the second half of the decade.
During her time with the Red Stars, Ertz became known for outstanding defensive positioning, dominance in aerial duels, calm distribution from the back, leadership qualities, and tactical intelligence.
Those qualities made her one of the league’s most respected defenders while attracting greater responsibility with the United States national team.
Position Change
One of the defining moments of Julie Ertz’s career came when United States head coach Jill Ellis made the bold decision to move her from central defence into defensive midfield.
The switch proved transformational. Rather than simply protecting the defence, Ertz became the player responsible for controlling the rhythm of matches.
Her ability to break up attacks, recover possession and immediately launch counterattacks gave the United States greater balance.
The transition also highlighted her football intelligence. Very few elite players successfully change positions at international level.
Ertz not only adapted but became arguably the world’s best player in her new role. The move significantly influenced modern American football and became one of Jill Ellis’ most successful tactical decisions.
United States Women’s National Team
Ertz made her senior debut for the United States Women’s National Team in 2013. She quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet.
Across more than a decade with the national team, she represented the United States at the sport’s biggest tournaments while helping maintain the country’s position among world football’s leading nations.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015
Ertz played a central role during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Operating primarily in defence, she helped the United States concede only a handful of goals throughout the tournament before defeating Japan 5–2 in the final.
The victory delivered America’s third Women’s World Cup title.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
By the time of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ertz had completed her transition into midfield. She became one of the tournament’s standout performers. Her ability to shield the defence while recovering possession allowed attacking players including Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle and Alex Morgan greater freedom.
The United States defeated the Netherlands 2–0 in the final to successfully defend their world title. Winning consecutive World Cups placed Ertz among a select group of American footballers to achieve the feat.
Olympic Competition
Ertz also represented the United States at multiple Olympic Games. She helped the national team win the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, providing experience and leadership during another deep tournament run.
Throughout her international career, she became recognised as one of the team’s emotional leaders. Coaches and teammates frequently praised her willingness to perform difficult defensive work that often allowed attacking players to receive greater recognition.
Angel City FC
After becoming a mother in 2022, Ertz returned to professional football with Angel City FC during the 2023 NWSL season.
Her comeback demonstrated the same determination that had defined her playing career. Although the return generated enormous interest, Ertz acknowledged that balancing elite football with family life had become increasingly challenging. S
he continued to perform at a high level while helping guide a relatively young Angel City squad.
Retirement
In 2024, Julie Ertz officially announced her retirement from professional football. She left the game as one of the most decorated players in United States women’s football history.
Her career statistics alone tell only part of the story. Ertz’s influence extended beyond trophies. She became the model of a modern defensive player capable of succeeding in multiple positions while combining technical quality with relentless competitiveness.
Her legacy remains secure among the greatest midfielders and defenders ever produced by the United States.
Zach Ertz’s Wife
Julie Ertz has been married to former NFL tight end Zach Ertz since March 26, 2017. Their relationship has become one of the best-known partnerships in American sport, bringing together two athletes who each reached the highest level in their respective games.
The couple first met while attending Stanford University, where Julie played for the women’s football team, and Zach starred for the Cardinal football programme.
Although they represented different sports, both quickly developed careers that would eventually lead them to national championships and international recognition.
Their relationship continued throughout college and into their professional careers. After several years together, Zach proposed in February 2016 at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, Stanford’s baseball stadium, a location that held personal significance for both of them. Julie accepted, and the couple announced their engagement on social media.
They married just over a year later in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by family and close friends. As their sporting careers progressed, both frequently travelled across the United States while supporting one another’s professional ambitions.
Whether Julie was competing for the United States women’s national team or Zach was preparing for NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and later the Detroit Lions, they regularly spoke about the importance of maintaining a strong partnership despite demanding schedules.
Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LII, Julie celebrated Zach’s first NFL championship. The moment added another major trophy to a household that would later include two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles alongside a Super Bowl ring.
Over the years, the couple have also worked together away from sport. Their charitable initiatives have included fundraising campaigns, youth programmes and community projects, particularly through the Ertz Family Foundation, which supports educational opportunities for children and underserved communities.
Children
Julie Ertz and Zach welcomed their first child, Madden Matthew Ertz, on August 11, 2022. The birth marked a significant new chapter for both athletes.
Julie stepped away from professional football during her pregnancy before later making her return to the National Women’s Soccer League with Angel City FC.
She has spoken openly about balancing elite sport with motherhood, describing the experience as both rewarding and challenging.
Her return to professional football less than a year after giving birth drew widespread praise across women’s sport.
The comeback highlighted both her commitment to football and the increasing visibility of professional athletes who successfully combine elite competition with parenthood. Family has remained central to the Ertz household throughout their careers.
Despite competing in different professional leagues with demanding travel schedules, Julie and Zach have consistently prioritised spending time together during the NFL and football off-seasons.
Both have also spoken publicly about the influence of their families while growing up. Julie has credited her parents and older sister for encouraging her football development from a young age.
At the same time, Zach has frequently acknowledged the support he received throughout his own sporting journey.