Keith Ortego is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) during the mid‑1980s. He is most noted for his tenure with the Chicago Bears, including being a member of the team that won Super Bowl XX.
Early life and education
Limited public information is available regarding Ortego’s early life, including his exact date of birth and place of upbringing. Records indicate that he attended high school in Texas, where he participated in football and track and field, but detailed biographical data is not widely documented in major encyclopedic sources.
College career
Ortego played college football at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Texas Longhorns football program. While at Texas, he contributed primarily as a receiver and return specialist, though comprehensive statistics from his collegiate career are not extensively catalogued in mainstream reference works.
Professional career
| Year | Team | Games played | Receptions | Receiving yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–1986 | Chicago Bears | 22 | 12 | 170 | 0 |
- Chicago Bears (1985–1986) – Ortego joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1985. He appeared in 22 games over two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams and as a reserve wide receiver. During the 1985 season, he was part of the Bears squad that captured Super Bowl XX, defeating the New England Patriots 46–10. While his statistical output was modest, he was recognized for his versatility and work ethic.
Post‑NFL activities
After his NFL stint, Ortego did not maintain a high public profile. There are no widely reported records of involvement in coaching, broadcasting, or other football‑related professions at the professional level. Information about his post‑football career and personal life remains scarce in publicly accessible encyclopedic sources.
Legacy and recognition
Although not a marquee player, Ortego is remembered among Chicago Bears historians and fans for being part of the 1985 championship roster. His contributions on special teams and depth‑receiver duties exemplify the role of supporting players in a successful NFL organization.
References
- Pro‑Football‑Reference.com, “Keith Ortego NFL Statistics.”
- NFL.com player profile archives (accessed 2023).
Note: Specific personal details such as exact birth date and comprehensive collegiate statistics are not prominently featured in major reference works, and thus are omitted to maintain factual accuracy.