By Marisa Laudadio
6:00pm PDT, Mar 10, 2024
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Award-winning sports journalist Chris Mortensen — who covered the NFL for nearly 40 years and spent more than three decades as an analyst at ESPN — died at 72 on March 3. His cause of death was not shared publicly.
Mortensen left ESPN in 2016 after sharing that he'd been diagnosed with throat cancer, then returned to work in 2017 despite the disease spreading to his lungs, The Hollywood Reporter reported. In a statement at the time, he explained, "I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight. We all know somebody, right? 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."
The lauded broadcaster was admired and beloved by many in the sports world and beyond.
Join us as we take a look at how he's being remembered by NFL players, fellow broadcasters, famous fans and more…
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"Heartbroken. We lost a true legend. Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki and his family. Rest in peace, Mort." —Peyton Manning, on Instagram
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"We lost a good man yesterday. Mort will be missed by many." –Eli Manning
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Chris Mortensen's death on March 3 was a "sad day for everyone in the NFL," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports. He earned our respect and that of many others with his relentless pursuit of news but also with the kindness he extended to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by many of us in the league who were fortunate to know him well beyond the stories he broke each Sunday," he continued. "We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life."
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"Mort was the absolute best. Such fond memories working with him back in the day @espn. Thinking of all his loved ones." —Robin Roberts
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"An absolute staple of the NFL. A man who was kind to all. Rest easy, Mort. Wqe all appreciated the hell out of how you did what you did. You done good." —Pat McAfee
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"I don't even have words really just crying my a** off, one of my closest colleagues in this biz… always had my back regardless of the situation , I love you like a father. May you rest in peace… You will be missed by all." —Keyshawn Johnson, on X
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"Chris is a very dear friend and a great human being. I miss him dearly already. Football and the world were lucky to have him here. I will try to pay forward all the wisdom he blessed me with. Love you, Mort" –Steve Young
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"Chris will forever be part of the NFL family. Loved by so many, he was a brilliant voice for the game and as passionate and talented as there ever has been. My appreciation and respect came quickly for Chris as I visited with him often in Austin during my early years. We bonded greatly there. He will be greatly missed and we're grateful for the special memories and legacy Chris leaves with us. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and those closest to him." —NFL team owner Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, on X
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"Mort was an absolute legend. Rest in Peace, brother." –JJ Watt
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"Another great one has left us. So sad to hear of Chris Mortensen's passing. Mort was a dear friend, and an award-winning legend. My heart goes out to his family" —Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, on X
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"RIP, Chris Mortensen. One of the best in the business." —Michael Vick, on X
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"Saddened to hear about Chris Mortensen who was always so kind to everyone and was an absolute professional. Passionate about our game and a man of great character and integrity! God Bless my friend!" —Rich Gannon, on X
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"Every single tribute to Mort is the same. The sincerity, decency, kindness, professionalism and humanity of the man is referenced by every team, player and colleague. Believe them all. Chris Mortensen was a wonderful soul." —Scott Van Pelt, on X
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"An absolutely devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family, and all who knew and loved him. So many did. Mort was the very best. He will be forever missed and remembered." —Adam Schefter
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"Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72 as reported by @espn Rest in Peace to one of the pioneers of the sports reporting industry. Mort was more than a reporter, but a friend to many and a great teammate. Prayers up for the entire Mortensen Family. @mortreport" —Robert Griffin III, on X
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"This one hurts, man. Mort was one of the kindest human beings you would ever know. The conversations we had about football, life, faith were amazing. Gonna miss him dearly" –Damien Woody
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"Heard news of Chris Mortensen's passing and had to catch my breath. I met Mort day 1 in '96. He was everything everyone is saying about him. Part of ESPN's soul. I'll miss knowing a good man like Mort is out there in our world." —Chris McKendry, on X
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"Thoughts and prayers for Chris Mortensen @NFL RIP #UMatter" —Bernie Kosar, on X
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"Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest, most generous gentlemen you could ever come across, in any field. His professionalism and decency earned him universal admiration — his enthusiasm and good nature made him everyone's friend. His mark on the business will last a long time, his impact on those of us lucky enough to know him well will last the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, Mort. We will treasure your memory forever." —Mike Greenberg, on X
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"Just saw the news about Mort and an incredible, profound sadness overcame me. He was a decades-long friend and someone for whom I had total admiration as a professional and love and respect as a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to Micki and Alex and so many he impacted." –Andrea Kremer
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"Rest in peace, Mort! I had the honor of working with Mort for 28 years and could not have had a better friend. My heart is broken." –Ron Jaworski
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"Devastated to hear about Mort's passing. He was a legend and we spent so many hours together just talking football. I miss him dearly" –Trey Wingo
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"What I loved most about Chris Mortensen is that he was as rock solid of an NFL insider as you'd find, without the 'pitbull' persona. His ability to break stories, predicated on relationships built on genuine kindness and trust. One of a kind, gone far too soon." —Bonnie Bernstein, on X
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"[Chris Mortensen] is just one of the sweetest souls you will have ever met, and he loved his sport. That's why when we found out about this, the last thing I want to do is come out here. But, man, he would punch me in the face if we didn't do this and have fun and enjoy this great game that he loved so much." —NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, at the end of coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine, after learning of Mortensen's death
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"Chris Mortensen personified 'faith, family and football.' An 'original' in his field and recognized as the best to ever do it, yet his humbleness, sincerity and expertise always shined through. Heartfelt condolences for his family and countless friends. Our loss, heaven's gain." —Phil Savage, the New York Jets' senior football advisor, on X
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"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate. He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones." —ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, in a statement
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"RIP Mort. One of the all time finest men. You will be missed, my friend." –Jim Mora
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"The Mort tributes are all nearly identical. That's how you know they're true. He led the league in being a great human, every season. This is so upsetting on every level. #Mort" –Steve Levy
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"So sad to hear this. Mort was a great reporter, maybe the best of our time. But an even better man. A man of great integrity who valued relationships over stories. We will miss him tremendously." –Tony Dungy
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"The news of Chris Mortensen's passing hits so hard for so many of us. Mort was there for information, guidance, high end journalism and humor… often times he gave us all of that and more in the same day. He supported and championed so many of the people who cover the NFL today. From Prime Monday to Countdown; from hosting together on ESPN radio and playing set up man for hundreds of Mort Reports… working with Mort was just fabulous. Mort was always there for so many of us and he always delivered. Praying for Micki and Alex and grateful for the 30-plus years of friendship." —Mike Tirico
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"Sad to hear the news of the passing of Chris Mortenson. Known for his decades long, first rate coverage of the @NFL for @espn. I got to know Mort as the beat writer for the @ajc covering the @Braves from 1983-85. A true pro, and easy to talk to. You could sense there were big things to come his way. @mortreport #RIPMort" —Dale Murphy
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"Crushing. Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone." —Rich Eisen
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"Heartbroken. Mort was a class act, an encourager and a fierce supporter of the next generation of broadcasters. Praying for his family." —Laura Rutledge
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"You're already seeing every great thing about Mort on the timeline. I'll just add — he was just so consistent. Consistently nice, affable, available and great at his job. He fought so hard to get to do that job. He didn't lose the fight, he just earned the peace. I know he's in Heaven waiting for the Bears pick. RIH Chris Mortensen." —Elle Duncan
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"My sincere condolences to the Mortensen family. Mort was the best in the business. He had this incredible knack for providing words of encouragement when it was needed the most. I'm so thankful for the many conversations and friendship over the years. May he rest in peace." —Brady Quinn
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"Heartbreaking. Mort meant so much to so many. A true pioneer, but his sense of humor and gift of encouragement is what I think of first. He was a wise friend and mentor. Timely encouraging texts and calls were one of his hallmark traits. Mort made time for others, no matter what they could offer him in return. He was a courageous and inspirational fighter of cancer for years while continuing to work. But above all else, what Mort treasured most was his faith and his family, especially his wife Micki and son Alex. He fought the good fight, he remained faithful, he finished the race. We love you Mort, you will be missed!!" —Matt Hasselbeck
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"An absolute giant of a man and journalist. One of the great thrills coming to ESPN was getting to know and learn from Mort. Condolences to his family and friends and Godspeed to a legend." —Adrian Wojnarowski
