Legendary Chris Mortensen passes
Chris Mortensen dies at 72: NFL & sports media world mourn loss of award-winning ESPN analyst
The legendary Chris Mortensen passes away on Sunday, March 3. The 72-year-old was an award-winning journalist best known for over 30 years of NFL coverage on ESPN.
In 2016, Mortensen was diagnosed with throat cancer. He took a leave of absence but returned to ESPN later that year. Mortensen’s first appearance on ESPN was in 1991 and his final appearance was during the network’s coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft in April. Before the 2023 NFL season, Mortensen announced that he would be stepping away from work to focus on his health, family, and faith.
Mortensen previously worked for several publications including the Daily Breeze in Torrance, California, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The National, and as a columnist for The Sporting News. Mortensen won 18 journalism awards throughout his career, including the National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting in 1978. Mortensen’s work on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Outside the Lines, and NFL Draft coverage established him as one of ESPN’s premier NFL insiders.
ESPN PR on Twitter: “ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news. Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO / Twitter”
ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news. Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
Recently worked on X only
During his absence from ESPN, Mortensen provided analysis on X throughout the 2023 season and playoffs.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
“He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion. He was at the top of his field for decades. Mort will truly be missed by colleagues and fans. Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”
The sports media took to social media to mourn the loss of an icon.
Adam Schefter on Twitter: “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. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs / Twitter”
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. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs
Rich Eisen on Twitter: “Crushing. Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone. https://t.co/6GO1ErOTpz / Twitter”
Crushing. Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone. https://t.co/6GO1ErOTpz