Chris Mortensen, one of the most respected and influential NFL reporters in the history of ESPN, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.
Who was Chris Mortensen?
Chris Mortensen was a NFL reporter for ESPN since 1991, covering the league’s news, trends, and transactions. He was also a regular contributor to ESPN’s shows such as NFL Live, SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Monday Night Countdown.
Mortensen was a veteran journalist who began his career in 1969 as a sports writer for the South Bay Daily Breeze in Torrance, California. He later worked for several newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Los Angeles Times, and The Sporting News. He also wrote several books, including Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football.
Remembering Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen’s death has left a huge void in the sports world, as he was widely admired and respected by his colleagues, sources, and fans. He was known for his integrity, professionalism, and passion for his craft, as well as his kindness, generosity, and courage in his personal life.
Many people have paid tributes to Mortensen on social media and other platforms, expressing their condolences, appreciation, and admiration for him. Some of the notable figures who have honored Mortensen include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, former ESPN President John Skipper, and many current and former NFL players, coaches, executives, and media members.
Chris Mortensen’s Career Highlights
Chris Mortensen had a remarkable and distinguished career as a NFL reporter, earning many awards and accolades for his journalism. He won the George Polk Award for sports reporting in 1987, the Dick McCann Memorial Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2006, and the Professional Football Researchers Association’s Ralph Hay Award in 2010. He was also nominated for four Sports Emmy Awards and two Pulitzer Prizes.
Mortensen also had many memorable moments and interviews in his career, breaking some of the biggest stories and scoops in the NFL. He was the first to report on the retirement of John Elway in 1999, the Spygate scandal involving the New England Patriots in 2007, and the diagnosis of Peyton Manning’s neck injury in 2011. He also interviewed some of the most prominent figures in the NFL, such as Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Jerry Jones, and Aaron Rodgers.
Legacy of Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen leaves behind a lasting and positive legacy in the field of sports reporting, especially in the NFL. He was a pioneer and a leader in his profession, setting high standards and inspiring generations of journalists. He also had a significant influence on the modern sports reporting, as he was one of the first to use multiple platforms and sources, such as television, radio, print, online, and social media, to deliver his reports and analysis.
Mortensen also taught many lessons to his peers and followers, such as the importance of accuracy, credibility, and ethics in journalism, the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving one’s goals, and the need for compassion, humility, and grace in dealing with others.
Finally, Mortensen also left behind many fond memories of his work, as he entertained, informed, and enlightened millions of sports fans with his stories, insights, and opinions. He also touched many lives with his personality, humor, and warmth, making lasting friendships and connections with people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
Chris Mortensen was a legend and a icon in the sports media industry, especially in the NFL. He was a master of his craft, a trailblazer of his field, and a mentor of his colleagues. He was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him and his work. Rest in peace, Chris Mortensen.
