Ken Kortas

Kenneth Conrad Kortas (May 17, 1942 – October 15, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Chicago Bears from 1964 to 1969.

Early life Kortas was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States, on May 17, 1942. He attended Taft High School in his hometown. There, he played football for the Louisville Cardinals and received All-American honors. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (18th overall) of the 1964 American Football League draft, but did not sign. At the time of his death, Kortas was the highest NFL draft selection from the university.

Professional career During his 1964 rookie season, Kortas played in 14 games (5 starts) and was credited with 0.5 sacks. He recorded 2 fumble recoveries and 2 sacks in 14 games (10 starts) in his first season with the franchise, before registering a career-high 7 sacks the following year. In the 1967 season, he started all 14 games as he was tied for the league lead in fumble return touchdowns (1), along with 3.5 sacks and 5 fumble return yards.

Kortas played just three games with the Bears, He resided in suburban Louisville, Kentucky, during his later years.

Kortas died on October 15, 2022, at the Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville. He was 80 years old.