He was a starter as a sophomore for the undefeated 1948 Michigan Wolverines football team that won the National Championship.

Ortmann is most known for his role in the famed 1950 Snow Bowl game against Ohio State, in which he punted 24 times in a blizzard for 723 yards – still a Michigan record.

The weather conditions were so inclement that Michigan punted on first down for its first two plays from scrimmage, after concluding that the best strategy was to keep the slick ball on the other side of the field and in the hands of Ohio State.

The fierce weather conditions stifled both offenses, and the Wolverines won 9–3 on a safety and Momsen's touchdown after the blocked punt.

Interviewed about the Snow Bowl in 2006, Ortmann, then retired and living in Savannah, Georgia, recalled: "Twice during the game, playing as the safety, I couldn't see [Heisman Trophy winner] Vic Janowicz and his backfield, the snow was falling so heavily.

Ortmann was also the Steelers' backup punter, kicking seven times for a 43.1 yard average, including a 72-yard punt.

[2][10][11] After his football career ended, Ortmann accepted a job with a Chicago nonferrous metals company owned by former Michigan All-American Ernie Vick.

Together with Tom Hoffman, Chuck coached both the Churchill Blue Raiders and Glen Ellyn Rams.

[12][13] Asked about the honor, Ortmann modestly said: "When fans start talking about putting an all-time Michigan team together, I think they're wrong to pick someone from the old era.