Adam Schefter, in a heartfelt tweet, announced the passing of Chris Mortensen, an esteemed NFL journalist who dedicated over three decades to reporting for ESPN. Mortensen passed away on a Sunday morning at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family.
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72, his family announced.https://t.co/b9BMb1n7Ak
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
Chris Mortensen, NFL Reporter for ESPN, Death at 72
Chris Mortensen, a highly respected journalist renowned for his coverage of the NFL for ESPN spanning over three decades, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 72.
His family confirmed the news to ESPN, although the exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Mortensen had battled stage IV throat cancer since January 2016, which had prompted him to take a leave of absence from his work at ESPN to focus on his health.
Despite his illness, he remained dedicated to his craft, breaking significant stories and earning the respect of players, colleagues, and fans alike. His contributions to sports journalism, spanning over three decades, earned him respect and admiration from colleagues, players, and fans alike.
Mortensen’s legacy extends beyond breaking stories; he was cherished for his integrity and commitment to excellence. Chris Mortensen’s death is a significant loss for sports journalism. His retirement in 2023 was so he could concentrate on his health, spending time with his family, and his faith.
His departure signals the end of a special period in sports reporting. Mortensen’s work leaves a lasting legacy that will always be respected and celebrated in the world of sports journalism.
Mortensen’s career spanned over three decades, during which he made significant contributions to sports journalism, particularly in coverage of the National Football League (NFL).
He began his journey in journalism after attending North Torrance High School in California and serving in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Mortensen initially worked for the Daily Breeze newspaper in Torrance, California, before joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983 to 1990, where he covered teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons, as well as the NFL.
His investigative reporting earned him the prestigious George Polk Award in 1987.
In 1989, Mortensen transitioned to The National, a sports daily, where he continued to cover the NFL before ultimately joining ESPN in 1991. At ESPN, Mortensen became a fixture in NFL coverage, appearing on popular programs such as Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.
He was known for breaking significant NFL news stories and providing insightful analysis. Mortensen’s expertise and dedication earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and fans alike.
Throughout his career, Mortensen received numerous accolades for his journalistic endeavors, including 18 awards in journalism and the Dick McCann Award from the Professional Football Writers of America in 2016, which recognized his distinguished contributions to NFL reporting.
In 2021, the award was given a new name, the Bill Nunn Jr. Award. Each year during the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies, this award is bestowed upon a reporter who has made a significant and enduring impact through their coverage of football.
Additionally, Chris Mortensen authored the book titled “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Prevented the Mob from Infiltrating Professional Football.”
Despite facing controversies, such as the Domino’s advertising incident and his erroneous report on Deflategate, Mortensen remained a highly respected figure in sports journalism. His passing marked the end of an era in NFL reporting, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence and integrity in sports media.
Chris Mortensen was married to Micki Mortensen, and together they raised their son, Alex Mortensen, who pursued a career in football as both a coach and a former professional quarterback.
Mortensen, beyond his professional achievements, was a devoted family man who cherished time with loved ones and upheld a strong Christian faith that guided him through life’s challenges, including his battle with throat cancer.
My heart is saddened with the passing of my dear friend Chris Mortenson. His love for the game and his special insight will surely be missed. He was a true pioneer of the “ insiders”. His engaging personality and big smile will forever be a part of the game . RIP my friend
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) March 4, 2024
Joe Theismann expressed his sorrow over the loss of his close friend Chris Mortensen, highlighting Mortensen’s deep passion for the game of football and his invaluable insights. Theismann praised Mortensen as a pioneer among sports insiders and remembered him for his engaging personality and infectious smile, which will be fondly remembered within the football community.
The sports world is mourning the loss of Chris Mortensen, a legendary ESPN journalist who passed away at 72.
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