(DailyDig.com) – Chris Mortensen, an ESPN reporter for the NFL, died on March 3, as announced by the network. Mortensen was 72.
He was a longtime journalist and football analyst for thirty years on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” “NFL GameDay,” “Outside The Lines,” and “SportsCenter.” Mortensen got his start at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. There, he reported on the Atlanta Braves and Falcons between 1983 and 1990.
Mortensen won the George Polk Award in 1987 for “Ignoring the Rules,” a story about athletes in college and amateur sports. He then moved into his position in 1991 on ESPN by telling stories about insights into the NFL and during studio shows. He was soon known for being a trusted football insider.
He continued to excel during his appearances on the shows until 2016. At that time, he explained that he suffered from throat cancer, Stage 4, which would cause him to not be quite as active on ESPN. After some successful treatments, he returned to the network.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, called ‘Mort’ a pioneer in the industry and was loved as a hard-working and supportive teammate. His coverage of the NFL was skillful and passionate, as he was a leader in his profession for all of his time with them. They will miss him as his fans will, also. Their thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family and faithful friends.
Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, said that for everyone involved with football, it is a sad day. He admired Mortensen’s commitment to his work, and that is why he became such an influential sports reporter. The respect of his co-workers and many others as he pursued relentlessly any news regarding football. He not only worked hard, but he showed kindness to all he met.
Goodell ended by saying that he would be missed as he touched people during his life.
Mortensen announced in September 2023 that he was ending his ESPN career to be with his family and focus on his health and faith.
Micki, Mortensen’s wife, and their son, Alex, survived him.
Copyright 2024, DailyDig.com
