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Chris Mortensen, an award-winning reporter, passed away at the age of 72. He was a longtime NFL journalist known for his coverage of the league. Mortensen’s career spanned decades, and he was respected for his insightful and comprehensive reporting. His death was mourned by the sports community and fans alike, who appreciated his contributions to the world of sports journalism.
Chris Mortensen, born on November 7, 1951, in Torrance, California, was a prominent American journalist known for his extensive coverage of the NFL. Mortensen’s career in sports reporting began after he realized he could not pursue competitive sports beyond high school. He attended North Torrance High School and El Camino College before serving in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Mortensen’s professional journey led him to become a respected figure in sports journalism. He worked for ESPN, providing reports for various shows like Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com. His insightful reporting and contributions to ESPN’s coverage of the NFL were highly regarded by colleagues and fans alike.
Apart from his work at ESPN, Mortensen authored the book “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football” in 1991. He was also recognized with the George Polk Award in 1987 for his reporting while working at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Mortensen’s dedication to journalism and his impact on sports reporting were evident throughout his career.
In a personal capacity, Mortensen was married to Micki Mortensen, and their son, Alex Mortensen, followed a career in coaching and professional football. Mortensen was known to be a man of faith, identifying as a Christian. In 2016, he bravely announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which led him to step away from ESPN in 2023 to focus on his health and family.
Chris Mortensen’s legacy in sports journalism is marked by his professionalism, dedication to reporting on the NFL, and his ability to navigate challenges with resilience and determination. His impact on the field of sports reporting will be remembered by many as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity throughout his career.
Some of Chris Mortensen’s most memorable stories as a reporter for ESPN include:
- Breaking the news of Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016, showcasing his ability to deliver significant updates in the NFL world.
- Receiving the Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award in 2016, recognizing his long and distinguished reporting on professional football.
- Covering every Super Bowl from 1979 through 2015, demonstrating his extensive experience and involvement in major NFL events.
- Being a key figure in ESPN’s NFL coverage for over 30 years, contributing to shows like Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, NFL Live, and NFL Insiders.
- Demonstrating resilience and dedication by returning to work during the 2017 NFL season despite battling throat cancer that had spread to his lungs.
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning reporter for ESPN, was involved in several controversial stories during his career. One of the most notable controversies was the “Deflategate” scandal, where he reported on the allegations that the New England Patriots deflated footballs to gain a competitive advantage.
Mortensen’s reports on this matter faced criticism from some quarters.Another controversial story involved his coverage of the NFL lockout in 2011, where he reported on the labor dispute between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. This story generated significant debate among fans and industry insiders.
Despite these controversies, Mortensen was widely respected for his integrity and professionalism in sports journalism. His impact on the field of sports reporting was significant, and his contributions to ESPN’s coverage of the NFL were highly regarded by colleagues and fans alike.
Chris Mortensen’s impactful reporting and significant contributions to sports journalism have left a lasting legacy in the field, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues, fans, and the sports community at large.
Chris Mortensen’s impact on sports journalism cannot be overstated. From his early days as a budding reporter to his current status as a respected industry veteran, he has consistently raised the bar for excellence. Through his dedication, integrity, and passion for the craft, Mortensen has become a true icon in the world of sports media.