For NFL watchers and readers of a certain age, Chris Mortensen was the defining insider of his generation. He first joined ESPN at a time when most sports information brokers such as Mortensen plied their trade for local newspapers. His work ultimately helped develop an entire cottage industry that is ubiquitous today — the sports television insider.
Mortensen, who joined ESPN in 1991, was ever-present on the network’s programs and platforms, from “Sunday NFL Countdown” to “SportsCenter” to ESPN Radio to the NFL Draft to Super Bowl coverage to offseason features. He covered every Super Bowl since 1985, except for Super Bowl 50 when he was forced to take a leave of absence in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. He announced on social media in September 2023 that he was stepping away from ESPN.
Mortensen died Sunday morning at age 72, ESPN announced. He is survived by his wife Micki and son Alex.
Peter King, who retired last week from full-time NFL writing and whose career aligned with Mortensen’s time, said in an interview on Sunday afternoon that Mortensen’s career was a testament to doggedness.
“He belongs next to Will McDonough on the Mount Rushmore of NFL information people,” King said. “They are the two guys. He did it for so long and…
