The NFL reporter Chris Mortensen, known for his decades of coverage of American football and being one of the most recognized TV reporters, has passed away.
According to his former employer, ESPN, Mortensen died on Sunday morning, but the cause of death is unclear.
Mortensen was a staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage for years, most notably known for his television segments dubbed the “Mort Report.”
He frequently appeared on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” “SportsCenter,” and “Monday Night Football,” in addition to writing and hosting radio hits on ESPN.
In 2016, Mortensen had to step away from television after revealing his battle with stage four throat cancer. He eventually returned to work at ESPN, but retired from the network in September 2023.
ESPN’s president, Jimmy Pitaro, described Mortensen as a pioneer in the industry and a beloved teammate.
Pitaro praised Mortensen’s exceptional skill and passion for covering the NFL, recognizing him as a top figure in his field.
He expressed condolences to Mortensen’s family and noted that his colleagues and fans will deeply miss him.
Chris Mortensen was 72 years old. Rest in peace.
