Award-winning writer Chris Mortensen, who covered the NFL for ESPN for more than thirty years, passed away early on Sunday morning at the age of seventy-two, according to his family. After joining ESPN in 1991, Mortensen became a regular contributor to “SportsCenter” and the NFL broadcasts on the network. He frequently broke stories for ESPN, such as the 2016 NFL retirement announcement of quarterback Peyton Manning.
He was honoured during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony in August of 2016 and got the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America. “Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” Jimmy Pitaro, president and CEO of ESPN, said in a “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades.
He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.” In a social media post, Mortensen’s longtime coworker on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Adam Schefter, wrote: “An absolutely devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family, and all who knew and loved him. So many did.
Mort was the very best. He will be forever missed and remembered.” Mortensen, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016, stepped away from his position at ESPN last year “to focus on my health, family, and faith,” he said. “During ESPN’s early years, Mort contributed to setting the standard for journalism.
According to a statement from Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of studio production for ESPN, “His credibility, attention to detail, and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to a new level.” Above all, he was an excellent human being and teammate. He embodied the kindness and consideration for others that later permeated ESPN’s culture.” With Mortensen’s passing, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declared it a “sad day for everyone in the NFL.”
In a statement, Goodell added, “I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports.” “He won the respect of many people, including us, for his unwavering pursuit of news and his friendliness to everyone he encountered. Many of us in the league who had the good fortune to get to know him outside of the stories he broke every Sunday will miss him terribly.
“We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life.” Manning expressed on Instagram that he was “heartbroken” to learn of Mortensen’s passing. In his message, Manning stated, “We lost a true legend.” “I loved our friendship, and Mort was the best in the business. I confided in him when I told him I was retiring and going to sign with the Broncos. I’ll miss him terribly, and Micki and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mort, rest in peace.”