NFL legend Peyton Manning couldn’t hide his pain and heartbreak after the death of iconic reporter Chris Mortensen.
Mortensen passed away on Sunday, with his family confirming the shocking development to ESPN. He was 72.
NFL Icon Chris Mortensen’s Death
The cause of Mortensen’s death is unknown, though it’s worth noting that was diagnosed with a Stage 4 throat cancer in 2016. He stepped away from his role with ESPN last year, according to the network.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and had been a staple of its shows for the last three decades, often reporting on NFL for ESPN as well as SportsCenter. He’s also known for breaking news around the league.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”
With his work, Mortensen received plenty of awards throughout his career, including the Dick McCann Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 2016. He was also honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement in the same year.
Peyton Manning, Roger Goodell React To Death of Chris Mortensen
It’s worth noting that it was Chris Mortensen who broke the news of Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016. Sure enough, the two share a close relationship.
And so when Manning learned of Mortensen’s death, he was “heartbroken.” In a powerful tribute on social media, the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos legend remembered his good friend and shared his sympathies for the family.
“Heartbroken. We lost a true legend. Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort,” Manning wrote.
As tributes poured in for Mortensen, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement to mourn the passing of an icon. Goodell called Mortensen “one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports,” adding that his untimely passing marks a “sad day for everyone in the NFL.”
“He earned our respect and that of many others with his relentless pursuit of news but also with the kindness he extended to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by many of us in the league who were fortunate to know him well beyond the stories he broke each Sunday. We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life.”
Our thoughts and prayers also go to Chris Mortensen and his family. Rest in paradise, legend.
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