Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for nearly four decades, passed away on Sunday morning, March 3. He was 72. ESPN confirmed the cause of death, which was not immediately disclosed.
“Motte was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally loved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He was known for his exceptional skills. and passionately covered the NFL, remaining at the top of the field for decades. He will be truly missed by his colleagues and fans alike, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”
When Chris Mortensen was diagnosed with throat cancer
Back in 2016, Mortensen announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He confirmed that Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning is retiring while undergoing treatment.
“Heartbroken. We lost a true legend,” Manning wrote in an Instagram post. “Motte was one of the best in the business and I cherish our friendship. I credit him with the announcement of my signing with the Broncos and my News of retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Mickey and his family. Rest in peace, Mort.”
Last year, Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL draft so he could “focus on my health, family and faith.” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said he received a text message from Mortensen at the end of Sunday’s NFL Scouting Combine coverage. Mortensen asked how he thought Spencer Rattler would perform during quarterback drills in Indianapolis.
“He was one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet and he loved his sport,” Jeremiah said. “That’s why when we found out about this, the last thing I wanted to do was come here. But, man, if we don’t do this, he’s going to slap me in the face if we don’t do this and have fun and enjoy him Really enjoyed this great game.”
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and received the Dick McCann Award from the Professional Football Writers of America in 2016. In 2021, the award was renamed the Bill Nunn Jr. Award.
“I admire Chris’s efforts to become one of the most influential and respected journalists in sports. His tireless pursuit of the news and his kindness to everyone he met won him over from us and many others. Respect,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed by many around the league, and we were fortunate to get to know him for more than just the stories he broke every Sunday.”
“One of the greatest journalists in sports history”
Moten worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983-89, covering the Atlanta Falcons in 1985-86 and the league in 1985-89. He later worked at The Nation for nearly two years. He also serves as an NFL columnist for The Sporting News and a staff writer for The Athletic. In 1990, he served as a consultant for CBS’ “NFL Today.”
Mortensen attended El Camino College. He is a native of Torrance, California. Before starting his journalism career, he served in the Army for two years. Mortensen is survived by his wife Mickey and son Alex.
ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter wrote on People offer their sincerest condolences. Many do. Mott is the best. He will be forever missed and remembered.”