Legendary NFL Writer Chris Mortensen Dies at 72

Award-winning NFL journalist Chris Mortensen passed away Sunday morning. He was 72 years old.

Mortensen, affectionately called “Mort” by his colleagues, made his broadcasting debut on ESPN in 1991 and developed into one of the most widely acclaimed and respected members in NFL media. In his decades-long career at ESPN, he became known as a premier NFL insider as well as an insightful contributor on Sunday Night Countdown, Monday Night Countdown and SportsCenter.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro released the following statement on Mortensen’s passing:

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate. 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.”

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

In January 2016, Mortensen revealed he was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer and would be taking a leave of absence. He was able to beat the cancer and return to work less than a year later.

Mortensen took a hiatus several years later in September 2023, when he announced that he was stepping away from ESPN to focus on his “health, family and faith.”

Prior his ESPN stint, Mortensen covered the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons in the 1980s and was honored with the George Polk Award for his reporting. Over the course of his storied career, Mortensen has received 18 journalism awards and two Pulitzer Prize nominations.