Dan Fortmann
Inducted:
1965
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born:
April 11, 1916
Pearl River, New York, U.S.
Died:
May 23, 1995
Los Alamitos, California, U.S.
Position:
Guard
Linebacker
Tackle
College:
Colgate (1933–1935)
Dan Fortmann starred as a guard and linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1936 to 1943. At just 20, he became the youngest NFL starter, helping anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. His high football IQ and fierce blocking earned him six straight First-team All‑Pro honors (1938–1943) and a place on the 1930s NFL All‑Decade Team. He was a key contributor to three NFL Championships (1940, 1941, 1943) and helped Chicago dominate the division five times.
Over eight seasons, he played in 86 games (starting 79), recorded eight interceptions for 54 yards, and returned one fumble for a touchdown. Off the field, Fortmann was equally exceptional—graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate while earning his medical degree. After football, he practiced medicine and became a respected surgeon. In 1965, his remarkable career was recognized with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Fortmann's Awards and Honors
- 3× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1938–1943)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1936, 1937)
- 3× NFL All-Star (1940–1942)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
NFL Records
- Member of the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- Youngest NFL starter at the time (age 20 in 1936)
- Helped Chicago Bears win 5 division titles during his career
- Only player in NFL history to be a practicing surgeon while playing
- Named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1936–1943)
NFL Draft:
1936: 9th round, 78th pick
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
21
NFL Stats
Seasons played:
8 (1936–1943)
Games played:
86
Games started:
79
Interceptions:
8
Interception yards:
54
Touchdowns:
1
