Mark Bortz

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Mark Bortz
Date of birth: (1961-02-12) February 12, 1961 (age 52)
Place of birth: Pardeeville, Wisconsin
Career information
Position(s): Offensive Guard
College: Iowa
NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 8
Organizations
 As player:
1983-1994 Chicago Bears
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowls: 1988, 1990
Playing stats at DatabaseFootball.com

Mark Steven Bortz (born February 12, 1961 in Pardeeville, Wisconsin) was a 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 [edit]

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 [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.[5]

References [edit]

  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.