Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72.
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72, his family announced.
Chris Mortensen, who began covering the NFL for ESPN in 1991, won several awards in his career, including the prestigious Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2016. "Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate," Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, said in a statement."He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades.
"Mort helped set the journalism standard in the early days of ESPN. His credibility, attention to detail and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to a new level," Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of studio production for ESPN, said in a statement."More importantly, he was a great teammate and human being. He personified care and respect for people which became the culture of ESPN.
"His ability to take on life's obstacles with grit and determination was always truly inspiring and his enormous impact on so many, me included, will live on through this work and unwavering friendships. I send my deepest condolences to Chris' family and friends, and pray they find peace in the honorable legacy and positive influence that Chris leaves behind."