Longtime ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen dies at 72
Sad news from the world of NFL broadcasting on Sunday as ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has died at the age of 72.
ESPN released this statement:
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, 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 joined ESPN in 1991. He stepped away from the network in 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer.
In 2019, he became more focused on breaking news for ESPN.
Reaction from the NFL world on Mortensen’s passing can be found below:
ESPN
ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news.
Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024
Adam Schefter | ESPN
An absolutely devastating day. 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. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2024
Mike Tannenbaum | ESPN
I’m absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Chris Mortensen. While he was a titan and a pioneer in our profession, he was also the kindest and most generous person to me. He was a mentor to some many of us at ESPN. He will be missed, but his legacy of kindness and…
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) March 3, 2024
Bryan Curtis | The Ringer
In the sports department of the Journal-Constitution, Chris Mortensen would hold a phone to his ear and say, “Tell me something I don’t know…”
Mort was the ultimate insider at newspapers and on TV. https://t.co/IBJ4Zb282Y
— Bryan Curtis (@bryancurtis) March 3, 2024
Dan Le Batard Show with Stu Gotz
We will always love and cherish the life and memories of the great Chris Mortensen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/v4aGx4tTGs
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) March 4, 2024
Get Up
ESPN's Mike Greenberg, Dan Orlovsky, Dan Graziano and Mike Tannenbaum pay tribute to Chris Mortensen on ESPN's 'Get Up' pic.twitter.com/I2j1F8KwKu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 4, 2024
ABC News
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning, according to his family. He was 72. https://t.co/L0GcuakX79 pic.twitter.com/EtbEQ284Yu
— ABC News (@ABC) March 4, 2024
Ari Meirov | The 33rd Team
One of my favorite Chris Mortensen moments was this from the 2020 NFL draft with Daniel Jeremiah.
Mort helped so many. An icon in every sense.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 3, 2024
Hannah Storm | ESPN
So very sad to hear this. Mort was always exceedingly kind and positive – and brave throughout his fight. He was the definition of class, professionalism, and friendship. Rest in Peace, Mort. https://t.co/WMZgQOZlsx
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) March 4, 2024
Scott Van Pelt | ESPN
Every single tribute to Mort is the same. The sincerity, decency, kindness, professionalism and humanity of the man is referenced by every team, player and colleague.
Believe them all.
Chris Mortensen was a wonderful soul.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) March 3, 2024
Rich Eisen, NFL Network
Crushing.
Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone. https://t.co/6GO1ErOTpz
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 3, 2024
Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
One of my idols growing up. His contributions to our world will never be matched.
Condolences to his family. https://t.co/jfWr4K03bs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2024
