Chris Mortensen, the acclaimed reporter who covered the NFL for near to 4 years, consisting of 32 as a senior expert at ESPN, passed away on Sunday early morning. He was 72.
ESPN validated Mortensen’s death on Sunday. There was no instant word on the cause or location of death.
“Mort was extensively appreciated as a market leader and generally cherished as a helpful, diligent colleague,” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro stated in a declaration. “He covered the NFL with amazing ability and enthusiasm, and was at the top of his field for years. He will genuinely be missed out on by associates and fans, and our hearts and ideas are with his liked ones.”
Mortensen revealed in 2016 that he he had actually been identified with throat cancer. Even while going through treatment, he was the very first to validate the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
“We lost a real legend,” Manning stated in a social networks post. “Mort was the very best in business and I treasured our relationship. I trusted him with my statement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him very much and my ideas and prayers are with Micki & & his household. Rest in peace, Mort.”
Mortensen revealed his retirement after the NFL draft in 2015 so that he might “concentrate on my health, household and faith.”
NFL Network expert Daniel Jeremiah stated throughout completion of protection at the NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday that Mortensen texted him to ask how he believed Spencer Rattler would do throughout the quarterback workouts in Indianapolis.
“He’s simply among the sweetest souls you will have ever satisfied, and he enjoyed his sport,” Jeremiah stated. “That’s why when we discovered this, the last thing I wish to do is come out here. Male, he would punch me in the face if we didn’t if we didn’t do this and have enjoyable and enjoy this terrific video game that he liked so much.”
Mortensen signed up with ESPN in 1991, and for many years assisted form the network’s protection as the NFL took off into year-round protection. Appearing on a myriad of network programs, he likewise composed for ESPN.com.
“Chris will permanently become part of the NFL household. Enjoyed by a lot of, he was a dazzling voice for the video game and as enthusiastic and gifted as there has actually ever been,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated in a declaration. “My gratitude and regard came rapidly for Chris as I checked out with him typically in Austin throughout my early years. We bonded significantly there.”
He got the Dick McCann Award from the Professional Football Writers of America in 2016. It was relabelled to the Bill Nunn Jr Award in 2021 and exists annual throughout the Pro Football Hall of Fame events to the press reporter who has actually made a long and recognized contribution through their protection of the video game.
“I appreciated how difficult Chris worked to turn into one of the most prominent and revered press reporters in sports. He earne