Chris Mortensen, legendary ESPN NFL journalist, dies at 72

Longtime NFL analyst Chris Mortensen passed away this week at the age of 72, ESPN announced on Sunday. The former ESPN commentator retired in September of 2023 before the start of the NFL regular season.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working 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 chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared.

Mortensen began his career in journalism in 1969. He covered news, investigations, and of course, sports, before making his first appearance on the world leader in sports broadcasting, ESPN, in 1991. That year, he released a book titled, "Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football."

In 2016, Mortensen had to take a leave of absence from his work with the network when he received a diagnosis of Stage 4 throat cancer. He announced his retirement from ESPN in September.

“Excited about another season but it’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” Mortensen shared, via X. “The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time. God Bless you all.”