R.I.P.: Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL Insider

Chris Mortensen (1952-2024)

Chris 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, his family announced.

Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and was a regular contributor to the network's NFL shows and "SportsCenter." He was a regular news breaker for ESPN, including the news in 2016 that Peyton Manning was retiring from the NFL.

Career Overview:

• Joining ESPN: Chris Mortensen became part of the ESPN family in 1991.
• NFL Reporting: He specialized in reporting on the National Football League (NFL), providing insights, breaking news, and analysis.
• Versatility: Mortensen’s contributions extended across various ESPN platforms, including Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.

Health Battle and Departure:

• Mortensen faced a challenging health journey. In 2016, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
• Despite his battle, he continued to deliver exceptional reporting.
• However, in 2023, after more than three decades with ESPN, Mortensen decided to step away from his role due to health reasons. His departure occurred shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft34.

Legacy and Respect:

• Widely respected as an industry pioneer, Mortensen’s work left an indelible mark. His dedication, integrity, and love for sports journalism endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.