Mark Bortz

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Mark Bortz
No. 62
Position:Guard
Personal information
Born: (1961-02-12) February 12, 1961 (age 63)
Pardeeville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:282 lb (128 kg)
Career information
High school:Pardeeville
College:Iowa
NFL draft:1983 / Round: 8 / Pick: 219
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:171
Games started:155
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Mark Steven Bortz (born February 12, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a guard for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Bears in the 1983 NFL Draft.[1]

Professional career[edit]

The Bears' 1983 draft class is regarded as one of the best 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][5] He also holds the record for most playoff appearances by a Bear with 13.

Personal life[edit]

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.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Mark Bortz, G at". Nfl.com. December 31, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  2. ^ "Chicago Bears Insider: Another Draft Like1983?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  3. ^ Hamel, Don (April 27, 2011). "Top Five: Best NFL Draft Years For The Chicago Bears - SB Nation Chicago". Chicago.sbnation.com. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  4. ^ Taylor, Roy. "1985 Chicago Bears". Bearshistory.com. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  5. ^ "Bears Trounce Patriots, 46-10, in Super Bowl". Los Angeles Times. January 27, 1986. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  6. ^ Mayer, Larry (March 7, 2013). "Bortz loses downstate home to fire". Chicago Bears. Retrieved March 7, 2013.