Chris Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who lined the NFL for practically 4 a long time, together with 32 as a senior analyst at ESPN, died Sunday morning. He was 72 years previous.
ESPN confirmed Mortensen's demise on Sunday. There was no fast phrase on the trigger or place of demise.
“Mort was extensively revered as an trade pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive and hardworking teammate.” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro mentioned in an announcement. “He lined the NFL with large talent and keenness and was on the prime of his discipline for many years. He will likely be actually missed by his colleagues and followers, and our hearts and ideas are along with his family members.”
Mortensen introduced in 2016 that he had been identified with throat most cancers. Even whereas present process remedy, he was the primary to verify Corridor of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning's retirement.
“We now have misplaced a real legend” Manning mentioned in a social media submit. “Mort was the most effective within the enterprise and we treasured our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to signal with the Broncos and the information of my retirement. He will likely be vastly missed and my ideas and prayers are with Micki and his household. Relaxation in peace, Mort.”
Mortensen introduced his retirement after final yr's NFL draft so he might “concentrate on my well being, household and religion.”
NFL Community analyst Daniel Jeremiah mentioned Sunday on the finish of protection on the NFL Scouting Mix that Mortensen texted him to ask how he thought Spencer Rattler would do throughout quarterback exercises in Indianapolis.
“He's simply one of many sweetest souls you'll ever meet and he beloved the game.” Jeremiah mentioned. “That's why after I discovered about it, the very last thing I wish to do is come right here. However man, he'd punch me within the face if we didn't try this and have enjoyable and revel in this nice recreation that he beloved a lot.”
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and helped form the community's protection because the NFL exploded into year-round protection. Along with showing on a large number of community reveals, he has additionally written for ESPN.com.
He acquired the Dick McCann Award from the Skilled Soccer Writers of America in 2016. It was renamed the 2021 Invoice Nunn Jr. Award and is introduced yearly in the course of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame ceremonies to the reporter who has had a protracted and distinguished profession. contribution via their protection of the sport.
“I admired how exhausting Chris labored to turn out to be one of the vital influential and revered reporters in sports activities. He earned our respect and that of many others by his tireless pursuit of reports, but in addition by the kindness he prolonged to everybody he met.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned in an announcement. “He will likely be sorely missed by many people across the league who had been lucky sufficient to know him past the tales he informed each Sunday.”
Mortensen additionally labored for the Atlanta Journal-Structure from 1983-89. He lined the Atlanta Falcons from 1985-86 and the league from 1985-89. He left for The Nationwide in 1989 and labored there for nearly two years.
He was an NFL columnist for The Sporting Information and a contributing author for Sport journal. He was additionally a advisor for CBS “NFL Right this moment” in 1990.
“I thought of Chris a private hero of mine and it's actually exhausting to think about sports activities journalism with out him. His potential to face life's obstacles with grit and dedication has at all times been actually inspiring, and his huge affect on so many, together with myself, will stay on via this work and steadfast friendships.” Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean mentioned in an announcement.
Initially from Torrance, California, Mortensen attended El Camino Faculty. He served two years within the Military earlier than beginning his journalism profession on the South Bay (Calif.) Every day Breeze in 1969.
“A fully devastating day. Mort was one of many biggest reporters in sports activities historical past and a fair higher man.” ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter mentioned on social media. “Mort was the most effective. He will likely be perpetually missed and remembered.”
He’s survived by his spouse, Micki, and son, Alex.