Chris Mortensenthe journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades passed away on Sunday at the age of 72, according to his family.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and since then was a regular contributor to the network’s various programs, including Sportscenter.
“He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion and was at the top of his field. He will truly be missed by both colleagues and fans and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones,” he explained in a statement. the president of the sports network Jimmy Pitaro.
The journalist specialized in American football gave several important exclusives in his career, including that of his retirement as a professional from Peyton Manning.
Manning, in a post on Instagram, He wrote that he was “heartbroken.” for the news of the death of Chris Mortensen.
“We lost a true legend. Mort was the best in the business and appreciated our friendship. I confided in him my announcement of signing with the Broncos and the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki and his family. Rest in peace, Mort,” said the former quarterback.
For its part, Adam Schefter, Chris’s colleague at the network for many years also mourned the death: “An absolutely devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history and an even better man. The most sincere condolences to his family and to all those who knew and loved him. Many did. Mort was the best. We will miss him and always remember him.”
Mortensen was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago
Chris Mortensen left ESPN last year, due to the cancer that he was diagnosed with in 2016 and which was already in stage 4, arguing that he wanted to focus on his health, his family and his faith.
The NFL reacted to the death
In addition to Peyton Manning, various American football personalities mourned the journalist’s death, starting withr NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who said it was “a sad day for everyone in the NFL.
“I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered sports reporters,” Goodell added in a statement. “He earned our respect and that of many others with his tireless pursuit of news, but also with the kindness he showed towards everyone he knew. He will be missed by many of us in the league who were lucky enough to know him far beyond the stories he reported each Sunday. “We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life,” he wrote.
Falcons owner He also sent his condolences, as Mortensen wrote for nearly a decade for the Atlanta Journal Constitution before joining ESPN, where he covered local teams.
“I join the immeasurable number of hearts across the country, in journalism and the sports community, as we mourn the death of Chris Mortensen,” said Atlanta team owner Arthur Blank.
“I am grateful to have had the privilege of knowing Chris through his incredible work since his days at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and like many, to have been blessed by his outstanding professionalism and personal grace over the many years that followed. I considered Chris a personal hero and it’s really hard to imagine sports journalism without him. “I send my deepest condolences to Chris’s family and friends and pray that they find peace in the honorable legacy and positive influence that Chris leaves behind,” he concluded.
For its part, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys wrote in a statement: “Chris will always be part of the NFL family. Loved by many, he was a brilliant voice for the game, passionate and talented. We will miss him deeply and we are grateful for the special memories and legacy Chris leaves us.”
Chris Mortensen’s awards
Among the 18 journalism awards he received throughout his career is the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America, which he received in 2016, the same year he was honored during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
He was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize and wrote the book “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Stopped the Mob from Sinking its Hooks into Pro Football.”
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