ESPN announced sad news on Sunday as longtime NFL reporter Chris Mortensen died this weekend at the age of 72.
Mortensen first joined ESPN back in 1991, and he became a fixture in the network’s NFL coverage over the years. Amid a throat cancer diagnosis in 2016, Mortensen took on a decreased workload and eventually left the network in 2023.
ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news.
Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024
As the news of Mortensen’s passing became public, many of his former colleagues and fellow media members offered their condolences on social media.
This was how Twitter reacted
One of the kindest and funniest people I've encountered in our industry. Chris was incredibly supportive of me long before we were colleagues on TV; he had a rare combination of wit and warmth, and made everyone around him better at their jobs. I feel lucky to have known him. https://t.co/tuihZsVRXf
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 3, 2024
An absolutely devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family, and all who knew and loved him. So many did. Mort was the very best. He will be forever missed and remembered. https://t.co/7b7Im0vIFs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2024
One of the kindest, warm, and wonderful people I ever had the privilege of knowing in this business. Supported us from day 1. RIP, Mort https://t.co/0EKtF4aJhG
— Mike Ryan (Ruiz) 🙌🏽 (@MichaelRyanRuiz) March 3, 2024
Chris Mortensen was a shining example for everyone who does this job. Kind to all. Thoughtful and principled. He knew he had the best job in the world and never took it for granted. I cherished every conversation with him and feel lucky to have called him a friend. RIP, Mort. https://t.co/RPXp7mVnhv
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 3, 2024
Mort… I will ALWAYS love and appreciate everything I learned from you, all our battles, all our talks, but the most cherished voice mail I ever got, which I will save forever, came from this man about being of service!
I love you brother and can’t wait for you to drop alllll… https://t.co/u0vyBLR0s6— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 3, 2024
RIP to one of ESPN's legends. Growing up watching football meant watching folks like John Madden, John Clayton, and Mort every week. So sad that they're all gone. https://t.co/NJuKhxUfDq
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) March 3, 2024
One of the kindest people I have come across. So engaging, always extending a helping hand, always funny and a truly good soul
🙏🙏 RIP MORT https://t.co/wWZWOvSMVD
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 3, 2024
Mort set the standard in the sports insider industry. He was smart, connected, humble, and supportive. My favorite trait was his sense of humor. In a business filled with people who may take this all too seriously at times, he always provided comedy. He loved his wife and family… https://t.co/TSycLYpBQR
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 3, 2024
One of the nicest people I met when I started there.
He could have acted like a big deal, bc he was, instead he was generous and kind.
RIP Mort. https://t.co/vIBID1YhTa— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) March 3, 2024
Thanks for everything, Mort. We’ll miss you dearly. https://t.co/lDUzj3nMhB
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 3, 2024
An absolute giant in the profession. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/MHCOfNOCmo
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 3, 2024
Crushing.
Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone. https://t.co/6GO1ErOTpz
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 3, 2024
One of the best I’ve ever had the privilege to meet and work with for so many years. The absolute best at what he did…..and an even better person…Mort will truly be missed. https://t.co/GlYO7MzY0t
— Mike Golic (@golic) March 3, 2024
A giant in our business, and a terrific person. Will miss you, Mort. https://t.co/U2uxU3m0o6
— Peter King (@peter_king) March 3, 2024
An absolute giant of a man and journalist. One of the great thrills coming to ESPN was getting to know and learn from Mort. Condolences to his family and friends and Godspeed to a legend. https://t.co/XAZ2qnt4F5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2024
