| Mark Bortz | |
| Number: | 62 |
| Position: | Guard |
| Birth Date: | February 12, 1961 |
| Birth Place: | Pardeeville, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 6 |
| Weight Lb: | 282 |
| High School: | Pardeeville |
| College: | Iowa |
| Draftyear: | 1983 |
| Draftround: | 8 |
| Draftpick: | 219 |
| Pastteams: | |
| Highlights: | |
| Statlabel1: | Games played |
| Statvalue1: | 171 |
| Statlabel2: | Games started |
| Statvalue2: | 155 |
| Statlabel3: | Fumble recoveries |
| Statvalue3: | 2 |
| Pfr: | BortMa00 |
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]
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.
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]