Mark Steven Bortz (born February 12, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a

guard Guard or guards may refer to: Professional occupations * Bodyguard, who protects an individual from personal assault * Crossing guard, who stops traffic so pedestrians can cross the street * Lifeguard, who rescues people from drowning * Prison ...

in the

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...

(NFL). He attended the

University of Iowa The University of Iowa (UI, U of I, UIowa, or simply Iowa) is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and largest university in the state. The University of Iowa is organized into 12 col ...

and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1983.

Professional career

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 Thomas "Tom" Allen Thayer (born August 16, 1961) is a former American football center/ guard. He played in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins, and won a Super Bowl as a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears. ...

, and tackle

Jim Covert James Paul "Jimbo" Covert (born March 22, 1960) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons during the 1980s and early 1990s. Covert played college f ...

. When interviewed about the draft class for nfl.com, Coach

Mike Ditka Michael Keller Ditka (born Michael Dyczko; October 18, 1939) is an American former football player, coach, and television commentator. A member of both the College (1986) and the Pro (1988) Football Halls of Fame, he was UPI NFL Rookie of Year i ...

stated that Bortz was a converted defensive player, with great feet, and he formed part of a solid offensive line. A two-time

Pro Bowl The National Football League All-Star Game (1939–1942), Pro Bowl (1951–2022), or Pro Bowl Games (starting in 2023) is an annual event held by the National Football League (NFL) featuring the league's star players. The format has changed thro ...

er, Bortz won a Super Bowl as a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears. He also holds the record for most playoff appearances by a Bear with 13.

Personal life

On March 7, 2013, a two-story house belonging to Bortz in

Liberty, Illinois Liberty is a village in Adams County, Illinois, United States. The population was 543 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Quincy, IL– MO Micropolitan Statistical Area. Geography Liberty is located at (39.879948, -91.108137). Accordin ...

burned down. Firefighters had attempted to save the house, but the house was fully engulfed in flames by arrival.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bortz, Mark 1961 births Living people American football offensive linemen Iowa Hawkeyes football players Chicago Bears players National Conference Pro Bowl players People from Pardeeville, Wisconsin Players of American football from Wisconsin Ed Block Courage Award recipients