As a sophomore at Texas in 1969, he helped lead the Longhorns to a national championship in the Wishboneoption offense, alongside James Street, Steve Worster, and Ted Koy. As a senior in 1971, Bertlesen was the team's lead ground gainer. In his career at Texas (1969–1971), he rushed for 2,510 yards, averaging 6.1 yards a carry and 33 touchdowns, and also had nine 100-yard rushing games.
Bertelsen was selected in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft, thirtieth overall, by the Los Angeles Rams. He averaged four yards per carry as a pro, and rushed for 854 yards in 1973. After his NFL career, Bertelsen returned to the Austin area.
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