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Sports world reacts to passing of Chris Mortensen at 72

Chris Mortensen. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sports world reacts to passing of longtime ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen at 72

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/3/24

On Sunday, ESPN announced that longtime NFL reporter Chris Mortensen died at 72.

As the NFL Combine ended, word began to spread of Mortensen's passing, prompting a slew of heartfelt messages from friends and former colleagues.

.@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

Crushing.

Mort was a delight to be around and nice to everyone. https://t.co/6GO1ErOTpz
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) 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

Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72 as reported by @espn Rest in Peace to one of the pioneers of the sports reporting industry. Mort was more than a reporter, but a friend to many and a great teammate. Prayers up for the entire Mortensen Family. @mortreport pic.twitter.com/UVUdRvyIXI
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 3, 2024

Heard news of Chris Mortensen’s passing and had to catch my breath. I met Mort day 1 in ‘96. He was everything everyone is saying about him. Part of ESPN’s soul. I’ll miss knowing a good man like Mort is out there in our world. ❤️
— Chris McKendry (@ChrisMcKendry) March 3, 2024

Chris Mortensen is the person I strived to be like when I was young. And after the friendship we developed, he remained the type of person I want to be as I grow older.

I am forever indebted to him for all the ways he inspired me -- both before and after I got the privilege to… pic.twitter.com/aqz374nKXu
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 3, 2024

Tough to put into words how much Chris Mortensen meant to our business—He accomplished so much. And along the way he did a lot for others. I'll never forget the random notes he'd send me while I was covering the lockout, before I knew him very well, to encourage me.

RIP Mort. pic.twitter.com/lLJHAvOW9s
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 3, 2024

An award-winning journalist, Mortensen was one of the most recognizable faces on ESPN's NFL coverage for decades. From games to the draft to insider info, Mortensen was on the pulse of the league and consistently delivered accurate information, quickly becoming a trusted source.

Following more than 30 years in the business, Mortensen announced his retirement from ESPN last September but said it wouldn't be in the "classic" sense, as he hoped to pop back in occasionally to talk shop.

In a statement from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, he described Mortensen as "an industry pioneer" who was universally loved by all he came in contact with.

"He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades," Pitaro said. "He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones."

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