CNN
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Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist and longtime NFL insider for ESPN, has died, the community introduced. He was 72.
Mortensen was fixture on ESPN for 3 many years, showing on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” an analyst for the NFL Draft and as a contributor on “SportsCenter.”
“Mort was extensively revered as an trade pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate. He lined the NFL with extraordinary talent and fervour, and was on the prime of his area for many years. He’ll actually be missed by colleagues and followers, and our hearts and ideas are together with his family members,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro mentioned in a press release.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and shortly gained a status for being probably the most trusted soccer insiders. He beforehand labored for the Atlanta Journal-Structure, the place he lined the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons from 1983 to 1990. Throughout his tenure on the newspaper, he received the 1987 George Polk Award for a 110-page piece known as “Ignoring the Guidelines” about novice sports activities and faculty athletes.
He introduced in January 2016 he was identified with Stage 4 throat most cancers. Mortensen later returned to ESPN after saying his most cancers therapies had been profitable.
In September 2023, Mortensen mentioned he would step away from his function at ESPN “to concentrate on my well being, household and religion.”