Julie Ertz Says It Wasn't "Easy" Returning to Football After Giving Birth to Her Son

According to People, Julie and Zach Ertz got engaged in February 2016 and then tied the knot in March 2017. After four years of marriage, the couple announced in April 2022 that they were expecting their first child together. "Adding to our starting lineup . . . Baby Ertz!" Julie wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of her husband kissing her baby bump.

After having her baby shower that June, Julie revealed that she was having a boy by sharing photos from the celebration that showed her wearing a blue dress while surrounded by blue balloons. "So grateful for all the love this weekend! Thank you to all my friends and family that made it so special! ☁️☁️ #babyshower," she captioned the pictures.

On Aug. 11, 2022, she gave birth to her and Zach's first child, Madden Matthew. Julie announced her son's arrival on Instagram with a picture of the newborn sleeping. "One week already with our sweet boy! Madden Matthew Ertz you are so loved. Beyond grateful to be your mommy," she wrote. "@zachertz and I can't even put into words how blessed we are to be your parents."

On April 8, the trio made their first public appearance together in Austin, TX, to celebrate Julie earning her 100th cap (international appearance). During a press conference that April, Julie said that her time away from football has only made her more motivated to succeed. "I don't want to come back and be the player I was, because I want to get better," she said, per Fox Sports. "I know that sounds weird being out [for so long], but time is crazy, especially when you have a new baby. I don't feel like I've been gone as long as I have, but I feel good, and I love the sport differently than [I used to]."

While she was eager to get back on the field, Julie also admitted that she hesitated to make the final decision of returning to work due to being a new mother. "The first few months, I would just stare at him and be like, 'Oh my gosh, how do people get back to work?' It's not easy," she said of her son.

On June 5, she posted a photo of Madden wearing a football jersey with her name on it. Clearly, the little one is already his mom's biggest fan!