Mark Bortz

Mark Bortz
No. 62
Position: Offensive Guard
Personal information
Date of birth: February 12, 1961
Place of birth: Pardeeville, Wisconsin
Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight: 282 lb (128 kg)
Career information
High school: Pardeeville (WI)
College: Iowa
NFL draft: 1983 / Round: 8 / Pick: 219
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games Played: 171
Games Started: 155
Stats at NFL.com
Stats at pro-football-reference.com

Mark Steven Bortz (born February 12, 1961) is a former guard in the National Football League. He attended the University of Iowa and was drafted by the Bears in 1983 for the Chicago Bears and played there until 1994.[1]

Professional career

The Bears' 1983 draft class is regarded as one of the best of all-time; providing 7 starters, including 3 for the Offensive Line - Bortz, fellow Guard Tom Thayer, and Tackle Jim Covert.[2][3] When interviewed about the draft class for nfl.com, Coach Mike Ditka stated that Bortz was a converted defensive player, with great feet, and he formed part of a solid offensive line.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Bortz won a Super Bowl as a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears.[4] He also holds the record for most playoff appearances by a Chicago Bear with 13.

Personal life

On March 7, 2013, a two-story house belonging to Bortz in Liberty, Illinois burned down. Firefighters had attempted to save the house, but the house was fully engulfed in flames by arrival.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Mark Bortz   (2012-12-31). "Mark Bortz, G at". Nfl.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  2. ↑ "Chicago Bears Insider: Another Draft Like1983?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  3. ↑ Hamel, Don (2011-04-27). "Top Five: Best NFL Draft Years For The Chicago Bears - SB Nation Chicago". Chicago.sbnation.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  4. ↑ Taylor, Roy. "1985 Chicago Bears". Bearshistory.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  5. ↑ Mayer, Larry (2013-03-07). "Bortz loses downstate home to fire". Chicago Bears. Retrieved 2013-03-07.