Renowned NFL Journalist Chris Mortensen Passes Away at 72

 

Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, passed away Sunday morning at the age of 72, as announced by his family.

Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and regularly contributed to the network’s NFL shows and “SportsCenter.” He frequently broke news for ESPN, including announcing quarterback Peyton Manning’s retirement from the NFL in 2016.

In 2016, he received the Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award and was honored during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony in August that year.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, remaining at the top of his field for decades. Colleagues and fans will truly miss him, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Tributes Pour In for NFL Journalist Chris Mortensen

Adam Schefter, a longtime colleague of Mortensen’s on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” expressed his grief on social media, saying, “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, diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016, stepped away from his role at ESPN last year “to focus on my health, family, and faith,” he said.

Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of studio production for ESPN, remarked, “Mort helped set the journalism standard in the early days of ESPN. His credibility, attention to detail, and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to a new level. More importantly, he was a great teammate and human being, personifying care and respect for people which became the culture of ESPN.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell mourned Mortensen’s death, calling it a “sad day for everyone in the NFL,” praising Mortensen’s relentless pursuit of news and the kindness he extended to everyone he met.

Before joining ESPN, Mortensen covered the Falcons, the Braves, and the NFL for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (1983-1990), winning the George Polk Award in 1987 for his reporting. He also worked at The National and CBS Sports’ “NFL Today” (1990).

“Chris will forever be part of the NFL family. Loved by so many, he was a brilliant voice for the game and as passionate and talented as there has ever been,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “He will be deeply missed, and we’re grateful for the special memories and legacy Chris leaves us.”

Mortensen, a native of Torrance, California, born on Nov. 7, 1951, attended El Camino College before serving two years in the Army.

He is survived by his wife, Micki, and son, Alex.