15 Facts About Ken Kortas

Kenneth Conrad Kortas was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle for six seasons in the National Football League.

Ken Kortas played for the St Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Chicago Bears from 1964 to 1969.

Ken Kortas then studied at the University of Louisville, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1963.

Ken Kortas was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 1964 American Football League draft, but did not sign.

Ken Kortas was selected by the St Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1964 NFL Draft, becoming the sixth player from Louisville to be drafted in the NFL.

At the time of his death, Ken Kortas was the highest NFL draft selection from the university.

Ken Kortas was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 17,1965, in exchange for Terry Nofsinger.

Ken Kortas recorded 2 fumble recoveries and 2 sacks in 14 games in his first season with the franchise, before registering a career-high 7 sacks the following year.

Ken Kortas played one more season with the Steelers, and was traded to the Chicago Bears two weeks before the start of the 1969 season, having been displaced as defensive tackle by new coach Chuck Noll in favor of Joe Greene.

Ken Kortas played just three games with the Bears, before retiring from professional football in 1970.

Ken Kortas was inducted into Louisville's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979.

Ken Kortas was married to Judith Ann Ken Kortas for 33 years until his death.

Ken Kortas speculated in futures exchanges during his playing career and lost money speculating on hog futures after the 1965 season.

Ken Kortas resided in suburban Louisville, Kentucky, during his later years.

Ken Kortas died on October 15,2022, at the Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville.