The NFL lost one of its longtime reporters on Sunday when ESPN announced that Chris Mortensen, who had covered the NFL since 1991, had passed away at the age of 72.
The league is saddened by this loss, as Mortensen has been covering the NFL for more than 30 years. Mortensen is an award-winning journalist, most famously winning the Dick McCann Award for American Pro Football Writers in 2016.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and widely loved as a supportive and hard-working teammate,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and remained at the top of his field for decades. He will be truly missed by his colleagues and fans and will be dearly missed in our hearts.” Thoughts are with his loved ones.”
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Analyst Chris Mortensen (Kevin C. Cox/AAF/Getty Images/File)
Many who met Mortensen expressed their condolences on social media, including his colleague on ESPN and Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
“Heartbreaking,” Manning wrote in an Instagram post, along with a photo of him and Mortensen. “We have lost a true legend. Mort was the best in this business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with his announcement to sign with the Broncos and his retirement. We will miss him. will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with Mickey and his family. Rest in peace, Mort. ”
ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen dies at age 72
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter has always had a close relationship with Mortensen. After all, he is always in the X profile picture.
“It was an absolutely devastating day,” he wrote in X. “Mort was one of the greatest reporters in the history of sports and an even greater human being. My deepest condolences go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him. So many people felt that way. . Mort was the best. He will be forever missed and remembered.”
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also shared his thoughts on the loss.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) appears on ESPN’s show with Chris Mortensen at FedEx Field in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2006. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
“Another great person has left us,” Irsay wrote. “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Chris Mortensen. Mortensen was a dear friend and an award-winning legend. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.”
NFL Network’s Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah, who has been open about the coaching he received from Mortensen, were broadcasting the NFL Scouting Combine when the news broke.
Jeremiah revealed that he was just texting Mortensen on Saturday.
“I got an email from him yesterday,” Jeremiah said, fighting back tears. “He wanted to know how [Spencer] Rattler was training. So yesterday we were talking about Rattler and texting back and forth. He loved this game. ”
“I want to go on camera and say to my wife Mickey and my son Alex, the reason you guys came out every time I spoke to Mort was because he was so proud of you. “I love you so much. You’re always in his heart. You’re always in his mind. He was a kind, gentle man with a kind family. I’m thinking about it.”
Eisen continued, “I met Chris Mortensen when I was 26 years old and he was the GOAT on ESPN’s Worldwide Leaders in Sports.” He was one of the best football writers there was. He was very nice and made me feel welcome when I first got there.”
More condolences and prayers poured in from around the NFL world for X, who was known as “Mort” both on and off the gridiron.
Jeff Passan: “Chris Mortensen was a shining example to everyone in this job. He was kind to everyone, thoughtful and principled. He believed he had the best job in the world. “I cherish every conversation I had with him and feel lucky to have this job.” I called him a friend. . Rest in peace, Malt. ”
Scott Van Pelt: “All the tributes to Mortensen are the same. His integrity, courtesy, kindness, professionalism and humanity will be referenced by all teams, players and colleagues. I want them all to believe. Christ Mortensen was a great soul.”
Susie Kolber: “Rest in peace my dear friend. Long time TV partner and best friend. One of the few people on earth I can trust with anything. Much love to Mickey and Alex.”
Robert Griffin III: “Rest in peace, one of the pioneers of the sports reporting industry. Mortensen was more than just a reporter, he was a friend to many and a great teammate. May the entire Mortensen family rest in peace.”
Chris Mortensen is shown during the Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seahawks on November 27, 2006 in Seattle. (Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary)
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Jeff Darlington: “Chris Mortensen is the type of person I strived to be like when I was younger. And after the friendship we built, he’s the type of person I strive to be like as I get older. I am forever grateful to him for everything he has inspired me.” “I – before and after I came to call him a dear friend. I’m not ready for a world without him, but I’m so grateful for the time he was here. It was a devastating day for our industry and everyone involved with Mort. ”I was lucky to know him. ”
Sean O’Hara: “Heartbreaking news about Chris Mortensen. He was liked and trusted by everyone. Always fun to be around. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. Mortensen, we all ,I miss you.”
Greg Jennings: “One more time for Christ Mortensen! #RIP”
Mike Greenberg: “Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest and most generous gentlemen I have ever met in any field. His professionalism and courtesy were admired around the world, and his enthusiasm and good nature made him a friend to everyone. His footprint in business will be long-lasting and his influence on those lucky enough to know him will last for the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, Malt. We will cherish your memories forever. ”
