Chris Mortensen, an award-winning veteran reporter for ESPN, died Sunday morning, the community introduced. He was 72 and no trigger was given, however he had been battling most cancers throughout his life.
“Mort was extensively revered as an business pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated in a press release. “He coated the NFL with extraordinary ability and keenness, and was on the prime of his subject for many years. He’ll really be missed by colleagues and followers, and our hearts and ideas are together with his cherished one.”
Mortensen took a go away of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being identified with Stage 4 throat most cancers, which later unfold to his lungs. He left ESPN in 2023 after becoming a member of the community in 1991.
“A fully devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Mort was one of many best reporters in sports activities historical past, and a fair higher man. Sincerest condolences to his household, and all who knew and cherished him. So many did. Mort was the easiest. He will likely be perpetually missed and remembered.”
Mortensen was an everyday contributor to ESPN’s NFL exhibits and SportsCenter. His scoops included the information in 2016 that Peyton Manning was retiring from the NFL.
In 2016, he obtained the Professional Soccer Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award and was honored through the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony in August that 12 months.
Earlier in his profession, he wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Structure (1983 to ’90), protecting the Falcons, Braves, and the NFL, and gained the George Polk Award in 1987 for his reporting. He additionally was one of many first writers employed by editor Frank Deford on the sports activities every day The Nationwide, working there from 1989 to 1990 earlier than coming to ESPN.
He additionally was a columnist for The Sporting Information, a contributor to Sport journal, and a guide with CBS Sports activities’ “NFL At present” (1990).
Mortensen started his journalism profession in California on the South Bay’s Day by day Breeze in 1969, and gained the Nationwide Headliner Award for investigative reporting in all classes. He obtained 18 awards in journalism and was nominated for 2 Pulitzer Prizes in his profession.
Mortensen is survived by his spouse, Micki, and son, Alex. No memorial plans have been introduced.
