Share this @internewscast.com

Longtime ESPN commentator Chris Mortensen has died at age 72, the cable sports channel announced Sunday.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a social media statement. “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.”

The award-winning football reporter had retired last April after covering his 33rd NFL draft. Since starting at ESPN in 1991, he reported for the network’s largest NFL broadcast shows, as well as the SportsCenter segment “Inside the Huddle.”

Mortensen, who had battled esophageal cancer for years, wrote on X in September that he made the decision to focus on his health, family and faith. He had initially taken a leave of absence after announcing his diagnosis in early 2016.

“The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball,” he wrote of his retirement. “It’s just time. God Bless you all.”

Prior to his iconic sports broadcasting career, Mortensen covered the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, winning a George Polk Award in 1987 for his reporting. He then covered the NFL for The National Sports Daily, a now-defunct newspaper, before joining ESPN.

In 1991, he published his book, “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football.”

Mortensen is survived by his wife Micki Mortensen and son Alex Mortensen, who is a football coach and former professional quarterback.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago O'Hare International Airport TSA K-9 'Panka' retires after 6 years of service, honored with hero's send-off

TSA K-9 ‘Panka’ Retires After 6 Years at Chicago O’Hare, Given Heroic Farewell

CHICAGO (WLS) — A canine that’s served and protected the flying public…

After Government Opposition, Mahmoud Khalil Finally Gets to Hold His Newborn for First Time

NEW YORK (AP) — Detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was granted the…
Police officers outside the 100 Club in Oxford Street, London.

Police Respond to Unplanned Kneecap Concert in London After Rapper Liam O’Hanna, 27, Faces Terrorism Charges

COPS have turned up at Kneecap’s surprise gig in London just hours…
Aunt urges convicted murderer to surrender as Orleans Parish jail manhunt continues

Aunt Pleads with Escaped Convict to Turn Himself In Amid Ongoing Orleans Parish Jail Search

The aunt of Derrick Groves, one of the five remaining Orleans Parish…
Orleans Parish Jail Escape: 5 inmates still missing, Sheriff faces backlash

Five Inmates Remain Missing After Orleans Parish Jail Escape, Sheriff Criticized

Two civilians arrested for helping fugitives; AG tours jail, calls for system…
Senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth raise concerns about cuts to care at hospitals acquired by Prime Healthcare from Ascension

Senators Durbin and Duckworth Express Concerns Over Care Reductions at Hospitals Bought by Prime Healthcare from Ascension

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were raising…

Trump Administration Seeks to Terminate Protections for Detained Immigrant Children

The Trump administration submitted a request on Thursday to terminate a long-standing…

Exploring the Lives of The Whittakers: The Infamous Family from Odd Known for Their Unique Way of Communicating

THE lifestyle of a family dubbed America’s most inbred continues to spark…
Police officers arresting a suspect.

Knife-Wielding Attacker at Majorca Airport Identified as Homeless Man Residing in Terminal Amid Spain’s Rising Rough Sleeping Crisis

A CRAZED knifeman suspected of randomly attacking a man at a popular…
Fatal shooting of Israeli embassy workers in DC sparks outrage from Trump, Israeli president

Two Israeli Diplomats Fatally Shot at Washington, DC’s Capital Jewish Museum Event

A pro-Palestinian individual is now in custody following accusations of killing two…
St. Regis Bal Harbour hotel sign and building.

Hotel Accused of Charging Woman for New Suite After Male Employee Allegedly Intruded on Her Shower in $7M Lawsuit

A WOMAN is suing a hotel for $7 million after she allegedly…
Will There Be A Season 7 Of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?

Is ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Returning for Season 7?

Life in the dystopia of Gilead has hit a critical breaking point…