Bratkowski began his playing career at Schlarman High School. He was twice the SEC passing leader under Georgia coach Wally Butts. During his three-year career with the Bulldogs, he completed 360 passes for 4,863 yards. Bratkowski was considered one of college football's greatest quarterbacks of his day and was the NCAA's all-time leading passer until 1961. Today, Bratkowski still ranks sixth on Georgia's list of career passing leaders. He also led the NCAA in punting his senior year with a 42.6 yard average.

He was drafted by the Chicago Bears and played five seasons in Chicago. He played for the Los Angeles Rams for three years before being signed by Vince Lombardi for the $100 waiver fee to become the "super sub" to Bart Starr. In Green Bay, he was nicknamed "Uncle Zekie." He became an ideal backup and spot starter during the Lombardi championship era. In a 15-year NFL career, Bratkowski passed for 10,345 yards and 65 touchdowns.

In the 1965 Western Division championship game versus the Baltimore Colts, Bratkowski relieved the injured Bart Starr and led the Packers to a 13-10 victory. The Packers went on to win the 1965 NFL Championship against the Cleveland Browns, in a game played on January 2, 1966.

A superbly conditioned athlete, Bratkowski was an early advocate of aerobic training for pro football players. After his playing career, he served two stints as Packer assistant coach, from 1969-’70 and from 1975-’81. He also coached the Browns, Rams, Jets and Eagles, retiring in 1996.

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