(WGHP) — Longtime ESPN journalist Chris Mortensen has died at the age of 72, ESPN announced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Mortensen was best known for his work covering the NFL on ESPN. He took a break from the network in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “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.”
Mortensen was named the 2016 Dick McCann Award by the Professional Football Writers of America. The award is given to reporters who made “a long and distinguished contribution to pro football through coverage.”
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