“Chris Mortensen was universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate and widely respected as an industry pioneer,” an ESPN chairman’s statement said. He was a top-tier reporter for decades, covering the NFL with incredible enthusiasm and expertise. His loved ones are in our hearts and minds, and both fans and coworkers will really miss him.“
Adam Schefter of ESPN, who has worked with Mortensen for a long time on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” posted on social media, describing the day as “absolutely devastating.” Not only was Mort a fantastic reporter but he was also a wonderful person. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones and all those who knew and knew him. A great deal of people did. The greatest was Mort. His absence will never go away.”
“To focus on my health, family, and faith,” Mortensen said in a statement that he left his position at ESPN last year. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016.
“During ESPN’s early years, Mort contributed to setting the bar for journalism. According to a statement from Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of studio production for ESPN, “His credibility, attention to detail, and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to a new level.” Above all, he was an excellent human being and teammate. He embodied the kindness and consideration for others that later permeated ESPN’s culture.”
With Mortensen’s passing, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declared it a “sad day for everyone in the NFL.”
In a statement, Goodell stated, “I was impressed by the amount of effort and dedication Chris put forth to become one of the most respected and significant sports journalists.” “With his unwavering search for news, as well as his kindness to everyone he encountered, he won our respect and the respect of many others.” Numerous members of the league who had the good fortune to get to know him outside of the stories he broke on Sundays will mourn his passing with profound sadness.
“We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life.”
“Heartbroken” by the news of Mortensen’s passing, Manning posted on Instagram.
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Prior to joining ESPN, Mortensen covered the Falcons, Braves, and NFL as a writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (1983–1990). For his reporting, he was honored with the 1987 George Polk Award. Before joining ESPN, he worked as one of the first journalists employed by editor Frank Deford at the sports daily The National from 1989 to 1990.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement saying, “I join the incalculable number of hearts across the nation, in journalism and the sports community, as we mourn Chris Mortensen.” “Like many others, I’m thankful to have known Chris via his amazing work at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and to have been blessed by his grace and brilliance on both a professional and personal level.
This work and his enduring connections will serve as a testament to his immense influence on countless others, including me, and his ability to overcome life’s challenges with fortitude and tenacity. Chris leaves left an honorable legacy and a good impact that I hope will bring his family and friends comfort. My sincerest sympathies go out to them.”
Moreover, Mortensen contributed to Sport magazine, wrote columns for The Sporting News, and served as an advisor for CBS Sports’ “NFL Today” (1990).
“Chris will always be a member of the NFL team. In a statement, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated, “Loved by so many, he was a brilliant voice for the game and as passionate and talented as there has ever been.” “He will be deeply missed and we’re grateful for the special memories and legacy Chris leaves us.”
Mortensen started his journalism career in 1969 with the Daily Breeze in South Bay, California. In 1978, he was the recipient of the National Headliner Award for investigative reporting in all categories. Throughout his career, he was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes and won eighteen journalistic prizes.