A titan of NFL journalism, Chris Mortensen always sought the truth and gave his all to his work, leaving a lasting impression on the sports world. Mortensen achieved the respect and admiration of both colleagues and sports fans during his remarkable career that spanned more than three decades.
Born in Torrance, California, on November 7, 1951, Mortensen’s career in journalism started early. He spent two years in the Army after graduating from El Camino College, where he developed the discipline and work ethic that would later define his career.
Mortensen began his career as a journalist in 1969, working as a cub reporter for the South Bay Daily Breeze. His natural talent and commitment soon attracted the attention of his colleagues, launching him into the spotlight of investigative journalism. His outstanding work earned him the prestigious National Headliner Award in 1978, paving the way for the many honors that would come.
After joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1983, Mortensen’s career took off as he covered a variety of sports, including the NFL, the Falcons, and the Braves. He was recognized for his deep analysis and perceptive commentary, which won him the prestigious George Polk Award in 1987.
Entering The National, a groundbreaking sports daily led by editor Frank Deford, in 1990, Mortensen started a new chapter in his career. During his time at The National, he demonstrated his adaptability as a writer and his capacity to deal with the constantly changing sports journalism scene.
But Mortensen’s legacy as one of the greatest sportswriters in history was cemented during his time at ESPN. Since joining the company in 1991, Mortensen has been a mainstay on ESPN’s NFL shows and “SportsCenter,” providing breaking news and perceptive analysis with unmatched passion and skill.
The Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award, which Mortensen won in 2016, was his greatest accomplishment and evidence of his ongoing influence on the sports journalism industry. Later that year, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
Mortensen encountered many obstacles in his career, both personal and professional. His fight against Stage 4 throat cancer, which was discovered in January 2016, would put his fortitude and resiliency to the test. Even with the dire prognosis, Mortensen never wavered in his dedication to his family, his faith, and his health.
All who knew Mortensen were inspired by his courage and grace in the face of misfortune. His steadfast priorities and values were demonstrated by his decision to leave his position at ESPN in order to focus on his health.
The influence of Mortensen went well beyond sports journalism. His gentle nature, empathy, and unshakable commitment to his art left a lasting impression on everyone he had the honor of knowing. Whether he was providing updates on the most recent NFL trades or giving a colleague word of support, Mortensen personified the ideals of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Commissioner Roger Goodell of the NFL said that Mortensen’s passing was a “sad day for everyone in the NFL.” Goodell highlighted Mortensen’s unwavering dedication to excellence and his relentless pursuit of the truth, while also praising his tireless work ethic and significant impact on the sports journalism community.
Thinking back on Mortensen’s incredible legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of integrity, passion, and perseverance. His legacy will endure in the annals of NFL history because of his contributions to the field of sports journalism, which will continue to inspire future generations of reporters and fans.
“It’s not about the headlines or the bylines, but rather the impact we make on the lives of others,” Mortensen stated. The fact that Chris Mortensen’s influence on the sports journalism community will always be valued and remembered is evidence of both his enduring legacy and his intense passion for the game
