Chris Mortensen, a longtime NFL reporter and ESPN journalist, died Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72 years old.
Mortensen had been battling cancer for many years, but the details of his death are still unknown.
ESPN is deeply saddened to have to share this shocking news.
Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and widely loved as a supportive and hard-working teammate,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will be truly missed by his colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with him. My thoughts are with his loved ones.”
ESPN also announced the news on air Sunday afternoon, and NFL Network ended its coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine with a tribute to Mortensen.
Mortensen first joined ESPN in 1991 and quickly became one of the top NFL reporters in the country. He was a regular on the network's top shows and often broke the biggest stories from around the league. In 2016, longtime quarterback and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning announced his retirement.
Mortensen also worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The National before joining ESPN, but left the company briefly in 2016 after revealing he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He eventually returned and made television appearances on ESPN again, but his role was revised in 2019 to allow him to focus more on breaking news.
And Mortensen announced last year that he would retire after the 2023 NFL Draft to focus on “health, family and faith.”
Although I am excited for next season, the time has come for me to reveal that after the 33rd NFL Draft in April, I have made the decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family, and faith.
I can really feel your gratitude and humility.
It's not your typical retirement. I'm still here talking.— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 5, 2023
Mortensen also served as a columnist for Sporting News, wrote for sports magazines, and worked as a consultant for CBS Sports' NFL Today. Mortensen began his career in California's South Bay in 1969 with his daily Breeze. Throughout his journalism career, he received a total of 18 awards and was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize.
After the news was announced Sunday, many former colleagues and friends took to social media to pay their respects, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
It was a truly devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better person. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all who knew and loved him. So many people did. The malt was great. He will be forever missed and remembered. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2024
A devastating loss to our business and his friends and family. RIP Mort, it's real in every sense of the word. https://t.co/fF2dQSL37U
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 3, 2024
An absolute giant as a human being and a journalist. He said one of the big thrills of coming to ESPN was getting to know and learn from Mort. Our condolences go out to his family and friends and our condolences to a legend. https://t.co/XAZ2qnt4F5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2024
I was shocked to hear of Mort's death. He was a legend and we spent hours together just talking about football.I miss him pic.twitter.com/gxiCULwKBG
— Trey Wingo (@wingoz) March 3, 2024
Mort was great at work, one of the kindest and best people in the business.
Nothing brightened my day more than an email from Mort about a TV hit I loved or about collaborating on a news report. The messages continued even after their time as teammates ended. I'll miss you, Mort. Rest in peace 🐐 https://t.co/aRSMfEPyC1
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 3, 2024
One of the kindest and funniest people I've met in this industry. Chris, he was incredibly supportive of me long before we were colleagues on TV. He was a rare combination of wit and warmth that made those around him better at their jobs. I feel lucky to have known him. https://t.co/tuihZsVRXf
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 3, 2024
Chris Mortensen was a shining example to everyone in this business. He is kind to everyone. Thoughtful and principled. He knew he had the best job in the world, and he never took it for granted. I cherish every conversation I have with him and feel lucky to call him a friend. Rest in peace, Mort. https://t.co/RPXp7mVnhv
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 3, 2024
Cruel news. He was a great guy, great to work with, and had a huge impact on the way the NFL was covered. He always had something kind to say or news to share. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family. https://t.co/hNSBSRgs2y
— Pat Ford (@ByPatForde) March 3, 2024
