NFL, Social Media Pays Tribute To The Great Chris Mortensen

Chris Mortensen, beloved NFL insider, died Sunday at age 72 — tributes poured in, commemorating the longtime reporter, who joined ESPN in 1991. 

Tributes Pour In For Chris Mortensen

OutKick's Dan Zaksheske wonderfully eulogized his former ESPN colleague, noting that the network did not provide a cause of death upon announcement of his passing. Mortensen was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2016. 

Peyton Manning, Sage Steele, Robert Griffin III and more around the sports community reacted to the tragic news of Mort's passing. 

Steele posted, "From the moment I began working at ESPN in 2007, this man was the kindest, most supportive soul.

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

"Every single time I saw him, he took the time to ask about my entire family….to share stories about my brother @CSteele32 with the @Ravens and especially to ask about my dad. Both Mort & my dad shared a battle against cancer…a battle that he told me he never feared because of his faith in God."

Peyton Manning remembered his longtime friend.

"Heartbroken," Manning posted on Sunday. "We lost a true legend. Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort."

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate," ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro announced. "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."

NFL Community Remembers Mort

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