ESPN’s Chris Mortensenn has died at the age of 72
ESPNs Chris Mortensen died at the age of 72.
Jimmy PitaroESPN chairman, confirmed Mortensen’s death in a statement via X on Sunday March 3.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and widely loved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” the statement said. “He followed the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will be truly missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”
ESPN shared a photo of Mortensen smiling as he sat at his desk and captioned the post: “ESPN is deeply sorry to share this devastating news. Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72.”
Following news of Mortensen’s death, several stars shared tributes to him via social media, including Peyton Manningwho took Instagram to say he was “heartbroken” by Mortensen’s death. (When Manning, 47, retired from the NFL in 2016, Mortensen broke the news.)
“We have lost a true legend,” Manning wrote on Sunday alongside photos of the two. “Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I confided in him my announcement to sign with the Broncos and the news of my retirement. I will miss him very much and my thoughts and prayers are with him [his wife] Micki and his family. Rest in peace, Mort.
In 2016, Mortensen was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer. He initially took a leave of absence after the diagnosis, and Mortensen retired from ESPN in September 2023 (although he planned to continue appearing sporadically on the network).
“I’m excited about another season, but it’s time to reveal that following my 33rd NFL draft in April, I have made the decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” wrote he through X at the time. “The gratitude and humility are overwhelming. It is not a classic pension. I will still talk here. It’s just time. God bless you all.”
He joined ESPN in 1991 and contributed to the network’s NFL shows and “SportsCenter.” Before his career in broadcasting, he covered the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL The Atlanta Journal Constitutionwhich won him a George Polk Award for his reporting in 1987.
Mortensen, who served two years in the Army, was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes during his career. He is survived by his wife, Micki Mortensenand son Alex Mortensenwho is a football coach.