Cardinals’ Zach Ertz shares heartfelt message for wife Julie Ertz ahead of her final USWNT game

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Two-time Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Olympian Julie Ertz will bid farewell to the United States women’s national soccer team Thursday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. 

The match against South Africa will be the 123rd and final time she takes the field wearing the red, white and blue for her country after announcing her retirement last month following a disappointing World Cup appearance for the U.S. 

The 31-year-old has been a cornerstone for the women’s national team for years, and her husband, Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz, congratulated his wife. 

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Julie Ertz of the United States is honored for her 100th game with her husband, Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz, and their baby Madden Matthew during a game against Ireland at Q2 April 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images)

"Julie, you’ve given your everything to this game," Ertz said in a video created by the Cardinals. "You’ve won at the highest levels and have done it with grace, commitment, passion and courage. Madden and I couldn’t be more proud of what you’ve done, and more important, who you are."

As highlights of Ertz’s soccer career began to play, her husband continued praising his wife. 

"I think everyone has seen your career, and you’ve reached the most amazing highs of your sport," Ertz said. "Everyone sees the players of the year, the World Cup medals. I’ve seen the grind you’ve put in, the adversities you’ve faced. 

"I’m just so proud to be your husband, to be your partner during this whole time. I hope you take this all in and truly can walk away from this game knowing you’ve given