Chris Mortensen, an award-winning espn reporter who covered the nfl for more than three decades, has died, according to the network. He was 72 years old.
Mortensen’s role in recent years had diminished after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016.
He departed espn in 2023 to concentrate on my health, family, and faith. he joined espn in 1991 and was a regular contributor to the network’s nfl shows and “sportscenter.” he was one of tv’s early insiders.
He was honoured with the dick mccann award of the pro football writers of america in 2016 and in august that year at the pro football hall of fame’s enshrinement ceremony.
In a statement, jimmy pitaro, the chairman of espn, said, “mort was well-known as an industry pioneer and universally adored as a supportive, hard-working teammate.” “he covered the nfl with extraordinary skill and passion, and he was at the top of his game for decades. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and followers, and our hearts and prayers are with his loved ones. ”
After espn revealed details of mortensen’s death on sunday, tributes poured in for him. Adam schefter, his espn colleague, was among the first to announce the nfl’s biggest newsmaker. “an awfully difficult day. Mort was one of the greatest journalists in sports history, and an even better man,” he wrote on social media. “sincerent condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him. So many people did. Mort was the absolute best. Mortensen was a fan of the atlanta journal-constitution (1983-1990), covering the falcons, the braves, and the nfl.
He was a columnist for the sporting news, a contributor to sport magazine, and a contributor to cbs sports’ “nfl today” in 1990. According to his espn bio, he was nominated for two pulitzer prizes in his career and received 18 nominations.
He was a co-author of the book “playing for keeps: how one man stole the mob from sinking its hooks into pro football,” and he attended el camino college before serving two years in the army. He is survived by his wife, micki, and son, alex.
Here are a few of the many tributes from around the sport. Nfl commisioner roger goodell “i admired chris’ dedication to becoming one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports,” he said.
“with his relentless pursuit of information, he earned our respect and that of many others, as well as his kindness to those he encountered. Many of us in the league will miss him greatly because we were fortunate to know him well beyond the stories he told each sunday.
“we extend our condolences to his family, his associates, and the many people he touched throughout his well-lived life,” espn sportscenter anchor scott van pelt said. “every single tribute to mort is the same. Every team, player, and colleague is referring to the man’s sincerity, decency, kindness, professionalism, and humanity.
Believe them all. Chris mortensen was a “good soul,” according to former nfl/espn quarterback payton manning.
We lost a true hero. Mort was the best in the industry, and i cherished our friendship,” manning wrote on instagram.
I trusted him with my sign-up letter to the broncos and the news of my retirement. Micki & his family will be in my thoughts and prayers as he goes. Mort, rest in peace, according to espn’s kenny mayne “the benefit of having mort here with us is that the list of people who felt he shared a special bond is long.” His generosity was unending, as shown by his sincere desire to know what was going on in our lives,” nfl reporter andrea kremer said.
“i just saw the news about mort and felt a profound sadness overcame me. He was a decades-long friend, someone for whom i had utter admiration as a man, love and admiration as a hero, and he was a wonderful man.
Micki and alex, as well as all those who were affected by him, are my deepest condolences, and i am sure hannah storm, anchor of sportscenter, will be greatly missed.
Mort was always generous and optimistic, as well as brave in his war. He was the embodiment of class, dedication, and friendship.
Mort mort, please rest in peace. “ed werder, an nfl reporter, writes about the dangers of football.
“you could not have been a better friend, role model, or mentor.” I love and miss you already, my sympathies to his wife micki and son alex,” espn broadcaster steve levy. the mort tributes are all similar. You know they’re true by doing so.
He led the league in being a great human every season. On every level, it’s so upsetting. Suzy kolber, a former espn nfl star, said, “rip my dear dear friend.”
A long-serving tv partner and confidant. I am one of the few people on earth with whom i could trust. Micki and alex are my heroes. “chris will forever be a part of the nfl family, according to cowboys owner jerry jones.
He was a great voice for the game and as passionate and gifted as there has ever been,” cowboys owner jerry jones said in a statement. “chris will be greatly missed, and we’re grateful for his memories and legacy,” falcons owner arthur blank said in a tweet. “chris is a personal hero of mine, and it’s impossible to imagine sports journalism without him,” he said.
His ability to face life’s challenges with grit and determination was always inspiring, and his profound impact on so many, including myself, will continue through his work and unwavering friendships.
I extend my deepest sympathy to chris’ family and friends, and i hope they find comfort in his honorable legacy and positive influence that he left behind. mortensen was discussed at length on television shows such as good morning football, the dan le batard show with stugotz, and get up.
Peter king also dedicated his final “football morning in america” newsletter to capturing his life, and nfl network spent a few momens retributing him after the nfl combine.
