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
Will Diddy go to jail after mixed verdict in sex trafficking trial?

Is Diddy Facing Jail Time After Mixed Verdict in Sex Trafficking Case?

Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges against him, but convicted…
Kennedy Expressway construction: Chicago traffic expected to be impacted by new I-90/94 lane, ramp closures July 7 and 8: IDOT

Kennedy Expressway Roadwork: Chicago Traffic Faces Disruptions from I-90/94 Lane and Ramp Closures on July 7 and 8, Says IDOT

CHICAGO (WLS) — There will be new shifting traffic patterns on the…
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' celebrates milestones and memorable moments ahead of season 17 premiere.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Marks Major Milestones and Iconic Moments as Season 17 Approaches.

Just when you thought “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” couldn’t get any…
What charges did Sean 'Diddy' Combs face at his trial?

What were the legal accusations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in court?

The three-time Grammy Award winner pleaded not guilty to five felony charges,…
Northeast Florida law enforcement's three-day sting nets 33 arrests

Three-day sting operation in Northeast Florida leads to 33 arrests

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has named their recent operation ‘Operation…
DOJ indicts suspect who went viral for delivering protective gear to anti-ICE protesters on live TV

DOJ Charges Viral Figure for Supplying Protective Gear to Protesters Opposing ICE on Live TV

A man who gained viral attention after being seen on live television…
Bill Ackman urges Andrew Cuomo to drop out of NYC mayoral race, begrudgingly endorses Eric Adams

Bill Ackman Calls on Andrew Cuomo to Exit NYC Mayoral Run, Reluctantly Backs Eric Adams

Billionaire hedge fund mogul Bill Ackman has called on a “subdued” former…
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Family Shares Heartbreaking Note to Her Children Amidst Custody Battle With ‘Abusive’ Husband Robert

VIRGINIA Giuffre left her three children a heartbreaking final letter before her…
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Javier Baez both make All-Star Game

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Javier Baez Selected for All-Star Game

First, they were traded for each other. Now, they’ll be on opposite…
Plane landing in strong winds at Madeira Airport.

Terrifying Landing at Notorious Holiday Airport: Plane Packed with Brits Bounces in Strong Winds

THIS is the tense moment when a crowded holiday plane is rocked…
Mugshot of Ishaan Sharma with a black eye and other injuries.

Disruptive Passenger Ends Up with Severe Black Eye Following Shirtless Fight on Frontier Airlines Flight

A disruptive passenger ended up bruised and embarrassed after initiating a fight…
Monsoon season brings the promise of rain for the arid southwestern US

Monsoon Season Brings Much-Needed Rainfall to the Dry Southwestern U.S.

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (AP) — Clouds gather in the early afternoon, and gusty…