ESPN, Kevin Connors announce Chris Mortensen’s passing in touching eulogy

“Our ESPN family is grieving the loss of one of our own. Chris Mortensen died this morning at the age of 72 – cause of his passing has not been made public. One of the most trusted and respected voices in all of sports,” said Connors. “Chris first joined ESPN in 1991 and, for the better part of the next 33 years, was one of the leading voices in breaking and reporting on news in the NFL. Chris was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016. He battled the disease and returned to work in 2017, where he continued on until his retirement following the 2023 NFL Draft.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mortensen family,” Connors closed.

Jimmy Pataro, chairman at ESPN, shared his own thoughts earlier in the afternoon in a release regarding “this devastating news” of Mortensen’s passing.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” stated Pataro. “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.”

Mortensen began his career in journalism in 1969 and worked at several outlets during his early jobs. He then joined on at ESPN back in 1991 where he’d become a regular on various shows and broadcasts with coverage of the NFL.

Saying farewell to a titan in the profession, especially one that you’d worked alongside, is a difficult ask. Connors did wonderfully, though, in honoring Mortensen in his reflection of the passing.

More on Mortensen’s passing at 72

Long-time NFL analyst Chris Mortensen passed away this week at the age of 72, ESPN announced on Sunday.

The former ESPN commentator had retired in September of 2023 before the start of the NFL regular season.

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.

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 then announced his official retirement from ESPN back 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.”

Tributes to Mortensen began pouring in on Sunday night, including many from his former colleagues. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared how the former analyst reached out to him when his wife was battling her own health issue.

“People impact your life, personally and professionally, in various ways at various levels,” Louis Riddick posted  on X. “Chris Mortenson impacted mine to the greatest extent he could given our relationship at ESPN from day one. He did everything he could to help me in all ways, and my respect and gratitude for his friendship has no limit.

“Mort was the very best. He was a Titan in the industry. A pillar of respect. Our business has a gigantic void without him. I feel for all that knew him and loved him, and my deepest condolences to his family. RIP my friend.”