The Southern California native, an award-winning newspaperman before joining the sports network in 1991, showed great resolve in a battle against cancer.
“We’re very sorry to share the devastating news that Chris Mortensen, an award-winning NFL journalist at ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72,” the network posted on Instagram. “Thanks for everything, Mort. We’ll miss you dearly.”No details were given about his cause of death, but Mortensen left his ESPN job in January 2016 after revealing that he had throat cancer. He returned to work the 2017 NFL season, even as the cancer spread to his lungs.
“I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight. We all know somebody, right?” he said in a statement back then. “I also have the love and prayers of my wife Micki, my family, my friends, colleagues and, most of all, my faith that serve as sources of tremendous strength. I have a peace about this and look forward to the battle.
Mortensen was in front of many trade stories, coaches’ firings and free-agent signings and broke the news of Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016, but he received criticism for his reports on “Deflategate,” which alleged that the New England Patriots deflated footballs to gain a competitive advantage.
A native of Torrance, California, Mortensen attended El Camino College in the area and served for two years in the Vietnam War. He began his writing career with the, where he received the prestigious Polk honor in 1987 for his 110-article report on the subversion of college amateurism by sports agents.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Award-winning ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen dies at 72Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72.
Read more »
Chris Mortensen, NFL reporter for ESPN, dies at age 72Chris Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for close to four decades, including 32 as a senior analyst at ESPN, died Sunday morning, ESPN confirmed.
Read more »
Former Ohio State Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Won’t Work Out at NFL Scouting CombineFormer Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. reportedly won't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week but will be in Indianapolis to speak with teams.
Read more »
Former Ohio State Defensive Lineman Cameron Heyward Named NFL Walter Payton Man of the YearFormer Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, recognizing the impact he’s made off the field and his excellence on the field.
Read more »
Former NFL players share stories of their Super Bowl TDsWhat's it like to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl? Ten former players share memories of their big moment.
Read more »
2 former FirstEnergy executives, former state utility regulator charged in HB6 bribery scandalCourtney is a digital producer at News 5. She loves all things Cleveland and is a huge sports fan.
Read more »