Honoring the late great Chris Mortensen, a legendary NFL reporter and analyst with a thirty-year career that was filled with drama and triumph. Sports journalism was left with a void when Mortensen, a cornerstone of ESPN's coverage, passed away at the age of 72. Colleagues and prominent athletes express their sincere admiration for his remarkable aptitude, ardor, and selfless generosity. His legacy of breaking important stories and being a compassionate person serves as a moving reminder of the important relationship that exists in journalism between skill and humanity."
The sports world is mourning Chris Mortensen, a renowned NFL reporter and analyst who died on Sunday, March 3rd, at the age of 72. Mortensen, often known as "Mort" to colleagues and fans, has covered the sport for nearly four decades, the past 32 of which he spent as a senior commentator for ESPN.
His passion and journalistic quality defined Mortensen's career. He was well-known for his NFL insider knowledge and ability to break significant news items. In 2016, while undergoing treatment for stage 4 throat cancer, he announced Peyton Manning's retirement.
His colleagues and peers recognized his impact on the sector. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro dubbed him "an industry pioneer" and "universally beloved," while legendary quarterback Peyton Manning referred to him as "the best in the business" and a dear friend.
Mortensen's legacy goes beyond breaking news. He was recognized for his work ethic, enthusiasm for the sport, and dedication to fair and honest reporting. He will be sorely missed by fans, colleagues, and the whole NFL community.
While Mortensen's cause of death has not been officially announced, his family confirmed his death to ESPN. His wife and family members survive him.
Award-winning writer Chris Mortensen, who covered the NFL for ESPN for more than thirty years, passed away early on Sunday morning at the age of seventy-two, according to his family.
After joining ESPN in 1991, Mortensen became a regular contributor to "SportsCenter" and the NFL broadcasts on the network. He frequently broke news for ESPN, including quarterback Peyton Manning's departure from the NFL in 2016.
He was honoured with the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2016. In August of that same year, he received recognition at the Pro Football Hall of Fame's induction ceremony.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated in a statement that "Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer as well universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate." "He was at the top of his field for decades, covering the NFL with incredible skill and devotion. "He will be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones."
Longtime coworker of Mortensen's on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," Adam Schefter of ESPN, posted on social media, describing the day as "absolutely devastating." Not only was Mort a fantastic sports reporter but he was also a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and everyone he knew and loved. So many of them did. The best was Mort. He will always be remembered as well missed."
After receiving a Stage 4 throat cancer diagnosis in January 2016, Mortensen left ESPN last year. "I wanted to focus on my health, my family and my faith," he stated.
"During ESPN's formative years, Mort contributed to setting the bar for journalism. ESPN's executive editor and head of studio production, Norby Williamson, said in a statement, "His credibility, attention to detail, and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to an entirely new level."Above all, he was an excellent person and teammate. He embodied the compassion and decency that characterised ESPN's ethos."
Given Mortensen's passing, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell described it as a "heartbreaking day for the NFL."
In a statement, Goodell added, "I admire how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports." "He won the respect of many people, including us, for his unwavering pursuit of news and his friendliness to everyone he encountered. Many of us in the league who knew him better than the news he broke every Sunday will miss him terribly.
"We send our condolences to his household, colleagues as well the many people Chris touched throughout his life."
Manning declared himself "heartbroken" by Mortensen's passing in an Instagram post.
In his message, Manning stated, "We lost a true legend." "I loved our friendship and Mort was the best in the profession. I trusted him with my retirement announcement and signing with the Broncos. I'll miss him terribly, and Micki and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mort, rest in peace."
Mortensen covered the NFL, the Falcons, and the Braves for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983 to 1990 before joining ESPN. For his reporting, he was honoured with the 1987 George Polk Award. Prior to joining ESPN, he worked as one of the first journalists employed by editor Frank Deford at the sports daily The National, where he was employed from 1989 to 1990.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement saying, "I join the immeasurable number of hearts across the nation, in journalism as well the sports group, as we mourn Chris Mortensen." "I'm honoured to have known Chris from the beginning of his amazing career at the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Blessed over the years, like so many others, with his professional excellence and grace. For me, Chris is a personal hero, and it is very hard to envision a world without him in sports journalism.
"I was always so inspired by his tenacity and commitment in facing life's challenges. His work and unwavering friendships will live on because of his immense impact on so many others, including me. I hope Chris's friends as well family find comfort in his noble legacy and uplifting impact. My sincerest condolences go out to them."
In addition, Mortensen contributed to Sport magazine, authored editorials for The Sporting News, and served as a consultant for CBS Sports' "NFL Today" (1990).
"Chris will always be a member of the NFL team. In a statement, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated, "Loved by so many, he was a brilliant voice for the game as well as passionate and talented as there has ever been." "He will be deeply missed and we're grateful for Chris' special memories and legacy."
Mortensen started his journalism career in 1969 with the Daily Breeze in South Bay, California. In 1978, he was the recipient of the National Headliner Award for investigative reporting in all categories. Throughout his career, he was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes and won eighteen journalism prizes.
He also penned "Playing for Keeps: How One Man Stopped the Mob from Sinking its Hooks into Pro Football."
Born November 7, 1951, Mortensen is a native of Torrance, California. After completing two years of Army service, he attended El Camino College.
Alex, the couple's son, and his wife Micki are still alive.
Source: ESPN
In conclusion, the sports community laments the passing of Chris Mortensen, a true icon whose extraordinary career and unwavering commitment to journalism have left a lasting legacy. In addition to making significant news, Mortensen was respected and well-liked by both coworkers and athletes for his honesty, kindness, and work ethic. His passing, while we remember him, serves as a sobering reminder that, when combined with insight and compassion, journalism can be a powerful force. Although Chris Mortensen's influence on the field of sports journalism will be greatly missed, his outstanding legacy will surely continue to inspire for many years to come.
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