Watt level laser output at a wavelength around 2.8 μm is reported using a Er:ZBLAN fiber that is pumped by a laser diode through a fusion-spliced side-pump combiner. This is, to our best knowledge, the first time such a device has been developed and tested with an Er:ZBLAN fiber laser. 7 W of laser output power has been achieved by an incident pump power of 60 W, demonstrating the ability of high power operation.