Steelers Send Message After Chris Mortensen's Death

Mortensen was 72-years-old and was one of, if not the, most iconic figure in sports media when it came to the NFL and the NFL Draft. In 2016, he received the Pro Football Writers of America's Dick McCann Award, and was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame later that year. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Mortensen's death was a "sad day for everyone in the NFL."

"I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports," Goodell said in a statement. "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.

"We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life."

The long-time journalist spent three decades at ESPN. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016 and stepped away from his role to focus on his health and family. Upon his return, he quickly resumed his role as one of the greatest sports voices ever.