ESPN Announces Death Of Longtime NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen At Age 72

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Longtime ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen passed away at age 72 on Sunday morning, according to the network. ESPN released a statement from Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. 

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate," Pitaro said. "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 are with his loved ones."

As Fox News reported in September, Mortensen stepped away from his ESPN role after the 2023 NFL Draft. He cited the need to "focus on [his] health, family and faith." 

ESPN did not provide a cause of death, but Mortensen was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer in 2016. 

Having worked at ESPN for almost a decade, I crossed paths with Mort many times. I commonly produced shows around the NFL and Mortensen was one of the most gracious people when it came to sharing his time. 

Despite carrying a high profile at ESPN, Mort never acted like he was too important for anyone or anything. Whether the hosts of your show were stars like Mike & Mike or weekend fill-in guys, Mort didn't care. If he could help, he would help. 

He even had a sense of humor about himself. I went back and looked to see some of our texts to one another. One time he told me he'd be happy join our show, but was in a public place and needed to "find a spot where [he wouldn't] irritate everyone [around him]." 

Longtime ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen passed away at age 72 on Sunday morning, according to the network.

Longtime ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen passed away at age 72 on Sunday morning, according to the network.

(Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIRE)

Tributes came in on social media, and it seems like everyone else's experience with Chris Mortensen was very similar to my own. Everyone loved him. 

I could honestly keep posting these all day because so many people are taking to social media to send their thoughts and prayers for Mort. 

This post probably said it best, so I'll leave it here. Rest in peace, Chris Mortensen. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.