Award-winning veteran reporter for ESPN, Chris Mortensen, passed away at the age of 72.
The network announced his death on Sunday morning, without disclosing the cause, although it was revealed that he had been battling cancer.
Mortensen was a pioneer in the industry and a beloved teammate, known for his extraordinary skill and passion in covering the NFL.
He had been with ESPN since 1991 but took a leave of absence in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which later spread to his lungs.
Throughout his career, Mortensen received numerous accolades and awards, including the Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award in 2016.
He was honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony later that year.
Before joining ESPN, Mortensen wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was also a columnist for The Sporting News.
He began his journalism career in California in 1969 and received multiple awards for his investigative reporting.
Mortensen’s contributions to sports journalism were widely recognized, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues, fans, and loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Micki, and son, Alex. No memorial plans have been announced at this time.
