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.
On March 7, 2013, a two-story house belonging to Bortz in Liberty, Illinois burned down.