Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who covered the National Football League (NFL) for ESPN for over three decades, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 72, as announced by his family.
Mortensen retired in September 2023 to focus on his “health, family, and faith” after joining ESPN in 1991. Over his 33-year career with the network, he was a prominent voice in the industry, offering insights and analysis on various ESPN platforms, including “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “SportsCenter.” Mortensen began his reporting journey in 1969 at the South Bay (California) Daily Breeze and received numerous awards in journalism, including 18 from ESPN and two Pulitzer Prize nominations.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Mortensen as an industry pioneer and a beloved teammate, highlighting his exceptional skills, passion, and dedication to covering the NFL. Mortensen’s reporting career included stops at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Sporting News, earning him the prestigious Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award in 2016 and recognition during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony.
In 2016, Mortensen was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer but continued to deliver news, such as Peyton Manning’s retirement announcement. ESPN’s Norby Williamson lauded Mortensen for setting high journalistic standards and elevating the network’s news and information with his credibility and attention to detail.
Mortensen is survived by his wife Micki and son Alex. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends in the sports journalism community, remembering him as a legendary figure and a kind-hearted individual.
Kevin C. Cox/AAF/Getty Images/Getty Images
Various media personalities, including Adam Schefter, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Jeff Passan, shared their heartfelt condolences and fond memories of Mortensen, highlighting his impact on the industry and his character as a mentor and friend.
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