Chris Mortensen, born on November 7, 1951, in Torrance, California, was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers during his upbringing. He pursued his education at El Camino College before transferring to Long Beach State, where he majored in journalism.
Embarking on his career, he commenced as a sports writer for the Daily Breeze in Torrance, covering high school and college sports. Subsequently, Mortensen contributed to various renowned publications, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Los Angeles Times, and The Sporting News, reporting on a diverse range of sports like baseball, basketball, and football.
ESPN and NFL Coverage
In 1991, Mortensen joined ESPN, swiftly establishing himself as one of the network’s leading and trusted voices on the NFL.
His journalistic prowess shone through as he broke significant stories such as Brett Favre’s retirement saga, Peyton Manning’s neck surgery, free agency, and the Deflategate scandal. His television appearances included notable shows like NFL Live, NFL Countdown, NFL Insiders, and SportsCenter.
Additionally, Mortensen showcased his writing talent on ESPN.com and authored several books, including Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football and The Heisman: A Symbol of Excellence.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mortensen garnered numerous accolades for his outstanding journalism and reporting. Notably, he received the George Polk Award in 1987 for his investigative work on the SMU football scandal.
In 1999, he was honored as the National Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. The Professional Football Writers of America recognized his contributions with the Dick McCann Award in 2016, later renamed the Bill Nunn Jr Award in 2021. Mortensen also received recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and the Maxwell Football Club.
Throat Cancer and Passing
In January 2016, Mortensen shared the news of being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. His battle included intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, resulting in a significant reduction of the cancer to “virtually zero detection” by August 2016.
Despite his health challenges, he continued working for ESPN in a reduced capacity and confirmed Peyton Manning’s retirement in March 2016. Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL draft in 2021, expressing his desire to “focus on my health, family, and faith.” He passed away on March 3, 2024, surrounded by his wife Micki and his two children, Alex and Chelsea, leaving behind four grandchildren and his brother Vance.
Legacy and Influence
Widely respected and cherished by colleagues, peers, sources, and fans alike, Mortensen was known for his professionalism, integrity, accuracy, and passion. He played a pivotal role in mentoring and inspiring numerous young journalists and reporters.
His exceptional coverage of the NFL, marked by skill and enthusiasm, solidified his position as one of the best in the industry. Chris Mortensen’s impact on sports journalism and the game of football is enduring, and his absence will be deeply felt by both the NFL and ESPN families. Rest in peace, Mort. You were a true legend.
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