The NFL lost one of its longtime reporters on Sunday when ESPN announced that Chris Mortensen, who has been with them since 1991, died at age 72.
The league is mourning the loss after Mortensen spent more than three decades covering the NFL. Mortensen was an award-winning journalist, most notably winning the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2016.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally loved as a hard-working and supportive teammate,” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro wrote in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts go out to his loved ones.”
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Analyst Chris Mortensen (Kevin C. Cox/AAF/Getty Images/File)
Many people who knew Mortensen offered their condolences on social media, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who has also been his colleague at ESPN.
“Heartbroken,” Manning wrote in his Instagram post showing photos of him with Mortensen. “We lost a true legend. 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 dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki and his family. Rest in peace, Mort.”
ESPN NFL REPORTER CHRIS MORTENSEN DEATH AT 72
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has always had a close relationship with Mortensen. After all, he's always been in X profile picture of him.
“An absolutely devastating day,” he wrote on They did it. Mort was “The best. “We will always miss and remember him.”
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also shared his thoughts on the loss.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, right, appears on the ESPN set with Chris Mortensen at FedExField in Washington, DC, on September 11, 2006. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
“Another great one has left us,” Irsay posted. “It is very sad to hear of the passing of Chris Mortensen. Mort was a dear friend and an award-winning legend. My heart goes out to his family.”
NFL Network's Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah, who has been very public about the mentorship he received from Mortensen, were broadcasting the NFL Scouting Combine when the news broke.
Jeremiah revealed that he had just texted Mortensen on Saturday.
“He texted me yesterday,” Jeremiah said while holding back tears. “I wanted to know how [Spencer] Rattler was doing in training. We talked about Rattler, we were texting yesterday. He loved this game.”
“I just want to look at the camera and tell Micki, his wife, and Alex, his son, that every time he talked to Mort, you guys showed up because he was so proud of you. He loves you so much. “You're always in his heart. You are always on his mind. He was a sweet, sweet person with a sweet family. “That's what I'm thinking about right now.”
Eisen added: “I met Chris Mortensen when I was 26, when he was the GOAT in the making for the 'World's Leader in Sports' on ESPN. He was one of the best soccer reporters we've ever met. “He was so nice to me, so welcoming to me when I got there.”
More condolences and prayers from around the NFL poured in to X for the man they called “Mort” on and off the field:
JEFF PASSAN: “Chris Mortensen was a shining example for everyone who does this job. Kind to everyone. Thoughtful and principled. He knew he had the best job in the world and never took it for granted. I appreciated every conversation with him and feel lucky to have had I called him friend. RIP, Mort.”
SCOTT VAN PELT: “Every tribute to Mort is the same. Every team, player and colleague references the sincerity, decency, kindness, professionalism and humanity of the man. Believe them all. Christ Mortensen was a wonderful soul.”
SUZY KOLBER: “RIP, my dear friend. Long time TV partner and confidant. One of the few people in the world I could trust with anything. All my love to Micki and Alex.”
ROBERT GRIFFIN III: “Rest in peace to one of the pioneers of the sports reporting industry. Mort was more than a reporter, but a friend to many and a great teammate. Prayers to the entire Mortensen family.”
Chris Mortensen appears during the Monday night football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seahawks in Seattle on November 27, 2006. (Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary)
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JEFF DARLINGTON: “Chris Mortensen is the person I strived to be when I was young. And after the friendship we developed, he continued to be the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. I will always be indebted to him for all the ways he inspired “I , both before and after being able to call him a treasured friend. While I'm not ready to accept a world without Mort, I am very grateful for the time he was here. A devastating day for our industry and all those who were here. “I'm lucky to know him.”
SHAUN O'HARA: “Heartbreaking news about Chris Mortensen. He was liked and trusted by EVERYONE. Always a pleasure to be around. Prayers to his family and friends. We will all miss you, Mort.”
GREG JENNINGS: “Once for Christ Mortensen! #RIP”
MIKE GREENBERG: “Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest and most generous gentlemen you could find in any field. His professionalism and decency earned him universal admiration: his enthusiasm and good nature made him a friend to all. His mark on the business will last a long time, his impact on those of us who are lucky enough to know him well will last the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, Mort. We will treasure your memory forever.”
