NFL: Veteran NFL reporter Chris Mortensen dies at 72

Date:

Share post:


Chris Mortensen, an award-winning NFL reporter who spent the bulk of his decorated career with ESPN, died on Sunday, the network announced. He was 72.

Mortensen, affectionately known by his colleagues as “Mort,” announced last September that he had stepped away from ESPN following that April’s NFL draft to “focus on (his) health, family and faith.”

“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, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Mortensen took a leave of absence from his job in 2016 to undergo treatment for Stage 4 throat cancer. That same year, he broke the news that Peyton Manning would retire.

Before joining ESPN in 1991, Mortensen worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the short-lived sports publication The National.

He received a George Polk Award in 1987 and was given the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

“An absolutely devastating day,” ESPN reporter Adam Schefter wrote Sunday on social media. “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.”

–Field Level Media

spot_img

Related articles

NCAAF: Trump signs executive order to address issues in college sports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that aims to bring stability to college sports while...

NCAAF: Big Ten media days: Nico Iamaleava wants UCLA vying for titles

Nico Iamaleava spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since his April transfer saga and claimed money was...

NFL: Reports: WR DJ Chark to sign with Falcons

Free agent wide receiver DJ Chark will reportedly sign with Atlanta after visiting the Falcons on Friday, according...

NFL: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) to miss some practice time

Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson will miss time in training camp as he deals with a...

FREE

Get the most important breaking news and analyses for Free.

Thank you for subscribing

Something went wrong.