Yahoo Sports NFL world honors 'a wonderful soul' after Chris Mortensen's death at 72
The NFL world lost Chris Mortensen on Sunday, and the effects are felt from around the field.
The longtime ESPN NFL reporter died at the age of 72 on March 3, a year after his retirement from the network which he called home for over 30 years.
Mortensen was a stalwart of NFL coverage for ESPN, appearing on "Sunday NFL Countdown," "SportsCenter" and "Outside the Lines," among other programs. Prior to joining ESPN, Mortensen won the George Polk award in 1987 for sports reporting while with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In 2016, Mortensen revealed he had been diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer, but he would return to the network later that year after positive strides were made fighting the disease.
Mortensen leaves behind a storied career. More than that, however, he left a bigger mark on his colleagues and the industry as a whole, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and heartfelt tributes shared in the wake of his passing.
Here are some of the more touching and telling tributes of Mortensen:
The life and legacy of our beloved friend and colleague Chris Mortensen.
Produced by @VinnyColadonato pic.twitter.com/PhYiSFHYln— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
"This was a tough one … This was a guy who was such a great friend and a great teammate as well … What you'll read about him is he was a better person than a reporter or NFL Insider … He was that pioneer."@golic and @mikegolicjr remember ESPN's Chris Mortensen pic.twitter.com/xHq54cjdjL
— GoJo and Golic (@GoJoandGolic) March 4, 2024
.@movethesticks and @richeisen honor the memory of the legendary Chris Mortensen, who passed away today at the age of 72.
Our thoughts are with his family and the ESPN family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ehkj1BYar2— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2024
RIP Chris Mortensen
One of the best in the business.@NFL @AroundTheNFL @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/f5A3uzRS4D— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) March 4, 2024
The table shares their fond memories of NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen (1951-2024) pic.twitter.com/hZfVtm6NE0
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 4, 2024
Every single tribute to Mort is the same. The sincerity, decency, kindness, professionalism and humanity of the man is referenced by every team, player and colleague.
Believe them all.
Chris Mortensen was a wonderful soul.— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) March 3, 2024
Chris Mortensen personified “faith, family and football”. An “original” in his field and recognized as the best to ever do it, yet his humbleness, sincerity and expertise always shined through. Heartfelt condolences for his family and countless friends. Our loss, heaven’s gain.
— Phil Savage (@PhilSavage) March 4, 2024
I don't even have words really just crying my ass off , one of my closest colleagues in this biz… always had my back regardless of the situation , I love you ❤️ like a father may you rest in peace........ you will be missed by allhttps://t.co/oDiXeybbwd
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) March 3, 2024
Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest, most generous gentlemen you could ever come across, in any field.
His professionalism and decency earned him universal admiration - his enthusiasm and good nature made him everyone’s friend.
His mark on the business will last a long…— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 3, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Mortensen tributes: ESPN reporter remembered by NFL world
