Chris Mortensen, a veteran reporter for ESPN known for covering NFL football, has sadly passed away at the age of 72.

Chris Mortensen, a renowned journalist who covered the NFL for ESPN, passed away at the age of 72 on Sunday. His family confirmed the news to ESPN, although the cause of death wasn’t disclosed. Mortensen had been battling Stage 4 throat cancer since January 2016. Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, praised Mortensen for his dedication and passion in covering the NFL, stating that he was respected by both colleagues and fans.

Chris Mortensen spent over three decades at ESPN, beginning his tenure in 1991. He became renowned for his coverage of the NFL, frequently appearing on ESPN’s NFL programs and “SportsCenter.” Mortensen was particularly known for breaking major news stories, such as Peyton Manning’s retirement announcement in 2016.

That same year, he was honored with an award from the Pro Football Writers of America and celebrated during the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony. In 2023, Mortensen chose to step away from his role at ESPN to prioritize his health, family, and faith.

Before joining ESPN, Chris Mortensen worked as a writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983 to 1990, covering teams like the Falcons and the Braves. He earned the George Polk Award for his reporting in 1987. Mortensen was also among the first writers at The National, where he worked until 1990. Additionally, he contributed to The Sporting News and Sport magazine, and served as a consultant for CBS Sports’ “NFL Today.”

Chris Mortensen, a highly accomplished journalist, received 18 awards and earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations during his career. He began his journalism career at the South Bay Daily Breeze in 1969, where he won a significant award for investigative reporting in 1978. Originally from Torrance, California, Mortensen attended El Camino College before serving in the Army for two years.

He is survived by his wife Micki and son Alex.