One of many greatest figures in NFL reporting died on Sunday, as ESPN introduced phrase that Chris Mortensen, the longtime NFL insider for the community, had died at 72. ESPN launched an announcement from president Jimmy Pitaro asserting the devastating information, with Pitaro highlighting Mortensen’s work and keenness for overlaying the NFL, in addition to uplifting others within the business.
ESPN could be very sorry to must share this devastating information.
Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen handed away this morning on the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024
Mortensen’s affect on the business was instantly obvious by the tributes that started pouring in as soon as the information was made public from everywhere in the NFL and sports activities reporting world. Mortensen’s long-time colleague, Adam Schefter, provided some heartfelt ideas on a person he labored alongside breaking information for ESPN, calling him “one of many best reporters in sports activities historical past, and a good higher man.”
A completely devastating day. Mort was one of many best reporters in sports activities historical past, and a good higher man. Sincerest condolences to his household, and all who knew and cherished him. So many did. Mort was the easiest. He will likely be eternally missed and remembered. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2024
These ideas had been echoed by many others across the NFL and sports activities media house, as his colleagues at ESPN and past provided their remembrances of Mortensen. The work he did breaking tales and offering data was highlighted by many, however every additionally pointed to his affect and kindness past the newsroom.
An absolute big of a person and journalist. One of many nice thrills coming to ESPN was attending to know and study from Mort. Condolences to his household and mates and Godspeed to a legend. https://t.co/XAZ2qnt4F5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2024
One of many kindest and funniest folks I’ve encountered in our business. Chris was extremely supportive of me lengthy earlier than we had been colleagues on TV; he had a uncommon mixture of wit and heat, and made everybody round him higher at their jobs. I really feel fortunate to have recognized him. https://t.co/tuihZsVRXf
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 3, 2024
Chris Mortensen was one of many kindest, most beneficiant gents you would ever come throughout, in any discipline.
His professionalism and decency earned him common admiration – his enthusiasm and good nature made him everybody’s buddy.
His mark on the enterprise will final an extended…
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 3, 2024
This one hurts man. Mort was one of many kindest human beings you’ll ever know. The conversations we had about soccer, life, religion had been superb. Gonna miss him dearly
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) March 3, 2024
Simply noticed the information about Mort and an unbelievable, profound unhappiness overcame me. He was a a long time lengthy buddy and somebody for whom I had complete admiration as knowledgeable and love and respect as a beautiful particular person. My deepest condolences to Micki and Alex and so many he impacted. pic.twitter.com/2J4C2itG5N
— Andrea Kremer (@Andrea_Kremer) March 3, 2024
Mort was nice at his job however extra one in all kindest & finest folks on this business.
Nothing lit my day up like a textual content from Mort a few TV hit I did he cherished or collaborating on a information report. Texts continued even after our time as teammates ended. We’ll miss you, Mort. RIP 🐐 https://t.co/aRSMfEPyC1
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 3, 2024
https://twitter.com/wyche89/standing/1764405269185036330
Mortensen was recognized with Stage 4 throat most cancers in 2016, battling it for the previous eight years and offered inspiration for a lot of who additionally discovered themselves combating the illness — as highlighted by NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero.
When @sarapelissero revealed her analysis seven years in the past, one of many first folks to achieve out was Mort, who was already nicely into his personal combat.
Fortunately, Sara gained her battle; by sheer advantage of how he fought and supported so many others, I’d say Mort gained, too.
RIP, Mort. pic.twitter.com/MhI0oieUOU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2024
Mortensen started overlaying sports activities in 1983 with the Atlanta Journal-Structure and joined ESPN in 1991 the place he grew to become one of many prime NFL reporters and was one of many first NFL insiders, turning into a fixture on TV for greater than 30 years.
