Award-winning writer Chris Mortensen, who covered the NFL for ESPN for more than thirty years, passed away early on Sunday morning at the age of seventy-two, according to his family.
Chris Mortensen After joining ESPN in 1991, Mortensen became a regular contributor to SportsCenter and the network’s NFL programming. He also frequently covered breaking news for ESPN, such as quarterback Peyton Manning’s 2016 NFL retirement announcement.
Furthermore, he was honoured at the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony in August of 2016 after winning the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America.
Since starting to cover the NFL for ESPN in 1991, Chris Mortensen has received numerous honours. Most notably, he was awarded the coveted Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2016.
A statement from ESPN President Jimmy Pittaro
“Mort was universally loved as a hard-working and supportive teammate and widely respected as an industry pioneer,” a statement from ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro rea . “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and dedication for decades, dominating his fiel . He will be deeply missed by both colleagues and supporters, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
An absolutely devastating day
“It was an absolutely devastating day,” posted Adam Schefter, Mortensen’s longtime coworker on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” on social media. Still the best man alive, Mortensen was one of the greatest sportswriters in history. My deepest sympathies to his family and everyone who was acquainted with and cherished him. Many of them did. The best was Mort. “We will always miss and remember him.”
In order “to focus on my health, my family, and my faith,” Mortensen, who received a stage 4 throat cancer diagnosis in January 2016, resigned from his position at ESPN last year.
“Mort helped establish the standard for journalism in the early years of ESPN Our news and information were elevated to a new level by his trustworthiness, attention to detail, and journalistic abilities, “in a statement from ESPN’s executive editor and head of studio production, Norby Williamson Above all, he was an excellent human being and teammate He embodied the values of compassion and decency toward others, which permeated ESPN culture.”
Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, described Mortensen’s passing as a “sad day for everyone in the NFL.”
Goodell’s statement
“I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered sports reporters,” Goodell said in a statement. His tireless pursuit of news and his politeness to everyone he encountered won him the admiration of many, including us. He will be missed by many of us in the league who were fortunate enough to get to know him outside of the stories. A great deal Broke each Sunday.
An expression of condolence
“We send our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life.”
Manning expressed on Instagram that he was “heartbroken” to learn of Mortensen’s passing.
In his message, Manning stated, “We lost a true legend.” “Mort appreciated our friendship and was the greatest in the business I told him about my retirement and my decision to sign with the Broncos I’ll miss him very much, and my prayers and thoughts are with Micki and his family Peace be with you, Mort.”
Prior to joining ESPN, Mortensen covered the NFL, the Falcons, and the Braves for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983 to 1990. For his reporting, he received the 1987 George Polk Award. He also worked as one of the first reporters hired by editor Frank Deford at the sports daily The National from 1989 to 1990 before moving on to ESPN.
“I join the incalculable number of hearts across the country in journalism and the sports community. As we mourn Chris Mortensen.” Stated Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement. “I consider Chris to be a personal hero and find it difficult to imagine sports journalism without him. Like many others, I am thankful to have known. Chris from his amazing work at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and to have been blessed during the many years that followed by his professional brilliance and graciousness.
Facing difficulties
His unwavering tenacity and determination in the face of adversity were always incredibly inspiring. His profound influence on countless individuals, myself included, will endure through his work and lasting friendships. I offer my sincere condolences to Chris’s friends and family. I pray that they find comfort in the noble legacy and uplifting impact Chris leaves behind.
Mortensen also wrote essays for The Sporting News, contributed to Sport magazine, and advised “NFL Today” on CBS Sports (1990).
“Chris is a member of the NFL family for eternity. erry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, released a statement saying. Loved by many. e was a brilliant voice for the game and more passionate and talented than ever.” “He will be deeply missed, and we are grateful for the special memories and legacy Chris has left us.”
In 1978, Mortensen
who began his journalism career in 1969 at the Daily Breeze in South Bay, California. On the National Headliner Award for investigative reporting in all categories. He received eighteen journalism awards during his career and was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes.
He also authored “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Stopped the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Professional Football.”
Mortensen, Born November 7, 1951, is originally from Torrance, California. e served in the Army for two years before enrolling at El Camino College.
His son Alex and his wife Micki survive him.