Chris Mortensen, longtime ESPN NFL insider, lifeless at 72

Sports activities Leisure

By Justin Tasch

Chris Mortensen, the longtime NFL insider for ESPN, died Sunday morning, the community introduced.

He was 72.

“Mort was broadly revered as an trade pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro mentioned in an announcement. “He coated the NFL with extraordinary ability and fervour, and was on the prime of his discipline for many years. He’ll actually be missed by colleagues and followers, and our hearts and ideas are along with his beloved one.”

Mortensen took a depart of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being identified with Stage 4 throat most cancers, which later unfold to his lungs.

He left ESPN in 2023 after becoming a member of the community in 1991.

“A completely devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Mort was one of many best reporters in sports activities historical past, and a fair higher man. Sincerest condolences to his household, and all who knew and beloved him. So many did. Mort was the perfect. He can be eternally missed and remembered.”