ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Former Atlanta Journalist, Dies At 72

ATLANTA, GA — Chris Mortensen, a longtime award-winning ESPN writer and past Atlanta reporter, died Sunday after a battle with Stage 4 throat cancer, ESPN said. He was 72.

An official cause of death was not released for Mortensen; however, ESPN reported he was diagnosed with throat cancer in January 2016. The sports outlet reported Mortensen stepped away from the network in 2023 to focus on his health.

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate," ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter. "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."

Before joining ESPN in 1991, Mortensen worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983-90 as he covered the Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta Braves and the NFL for the newspaper.

Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank in a tweeted statement said he knew Mortensen during his AJC days. He called Mortensen a "true hero of mine," adding picturing sports journalism without Mortensen is difficult.

"His ability to take on life's obstacles with grit and determination was always truly inspiring and his enormous impact on so many, including me, will live on through this work and unwavering friendships," Blank said. "I send my deepest condolences to Chris' family and friends, and pray they find peace in the honorable legacy and positive influence that Chris leaves behind."

Former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy also took to X to express his condolences.

"Sad to hear the news of the passing of Chris Mortensen. Known for his decades long, first rate coverage of the @NFL for @espn. I got to know Mort as the beat writer for the @ajc
covering the @Braves from 1983-85. A true pro, and easy to talk to. You could sense there were big things to come his way. @mortreport #RIPMort," Murphy tweeted.

National sports writer Adam Schefter tweeted a nearly 6-minute video that shows moments throughout Mortensen's career.

While at ESPN, Mortensen contributed to its NFL shows and "SportsCenter," the outlet reported.

Among his notable breaking news stories, Mortensen broke the news that quarterback Peyton Manning was retiring in 2016, ESPN reported.

Mortensen was a 2016 Pro Football Writers of America Dick McCann Award recipient, the outlet reported.

Read more via ESPN.