NFL world mourns the loss of ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is mourning the loss of longtime ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 72.

Mortensen first appeared on ESPN in 1991 after previously working at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution covering the Braves and Falcons. He enjoyed a very active part of ESPN’s NFL coverage ever since. Yet, in January 2016, Mortensen revealed he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which required a leave of absence from his on-air duties.

Now, various members of the sports media world impacted by ‘Mort’s legacy are paying their respects to the legend on social media.

.@movethesticks and @richeisen honor the memory of the legendary Chris Mortensen, who passed away today at the age of 72.

Our thoughts are with his family and the ESPN family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ehkj1BYar2
— NFL (@NFL) 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 my idols growing up. His contributions to our world will never be matched.

Condolences to his family. https://t.co/jfWr4K03bs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 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

When @sarapelissero revealed her diagnosis seven years ago, one of the first people to reach out was Mort, who was already well into his own fight.

Thankfully, Sara won her battle; by sheer virtue of how he fought and supported so many others, I’d say Mort won, too.

RIP, Mort. pic.twitter.com/MhI0oieUOU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2024

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

I’m heartbroken for Mort’s family, friends and those like me who were so fortunate to work alongside him. Chris was the best—kind, driven, passionate and helpful to everyone. He was a legend that’s gone way too soon. https://t.co/kKj0Ldtwii
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) 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

Heartbreaking day. Words can’t describe how important Mort was to so many of us at ESPN.

RIP to a legend and prayers to his family and friends. https://t.co/U0gajJEp6J
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) 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

Mort was a great guy who reached out multiple times over the years to help me out.

He would randomly call on the phone just to see how things were going, what was new.

Still owed me a cold Mt Dew for a bet we made a few years back, but I'll let it slide.

Rest in peace Mort. https://t.co/n0zCyXyBUV
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 3, 2024

Gutting news. If you talk to Adam Schefter, Jay Glazer or anybody who followed in his path, they'd call him the 🐐.

He always supported his fellow journalists (including me) with style, class and a total absence of malice.

God Bless Mort and his family. RIP. Legend. https://t.co/znlszCU4Il
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) March 3, 2024

A devastating loss for our business and for his friends and family. RIP Mort, a real one in every sense of the term. https://t.co/fF2dQSL37U
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) 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