Chris Mortensen Dies: NFL Reporter For ESPN Was 72
deadline.comChris Mortensen, an award-winning veteran reporter for ESPN, died Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72 and no cause was given, but he had been battling cancer during his life. “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 one.” Mortensen took a leave of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which later spread to his lungs.
He left ESPN in 2023 after joining the network in 1991. “An absolutely devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “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.” Mortensen was a regular contributor to ESPN’s NFL shows and SportsCenter.
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