ESPN NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen Is Dead at 72 — What Happened to Him?

Peyton Manning remembered Chris Mortensen and stated, "We lost a true legend. Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship."

Mar. 4 2024, Published 9:Forty a.m. ET

If you may have adopted ESPN's NFL coverage at any level within the closing 30 years, odds are you're no less than reasonably accustomed to Chris Mortensen. Chris worked for the network for 32 years masking the NFL, and news broke that he had died on the age of 72.

Following the inside track of his death, many sought after to better perceive Chris's existence and profession, as well as how he died. Here's the whole lot we know concerning the award-winning journalist's cause of death.

What was Chris Mortensen's cause of death?

Chris reportedly died on March 3, 2024, and ESPN showed the inside track in a statement. They did not provide any cause of death together with the announcement.

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate," ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro mentioned. "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."

Chris announced back in 2016 that he had been recognized with throat cancer, however he endured to paintings at the same time as he sought treatment. In 2023, Chris introduced his retirement and mentioned that he deliberate to "focus on my health, family, and faith."

It's unclear what his cause of death was, although many suspect that it may had been hooked up come what may to his prognosis of throat cancer.

Who was Chris Mortensen's spouse?

Chris was married to his spouse, Micki Mortensen, for 39 years. The couple had their first and best son, Alex, in 1985, and he shared his father's interest for football, occurring to turn out to be a coach in the recreation himself.

Although Chris has all the time kept his non-public lifestyles moderately quiet, it is transparent that Micki was a pillar for him all over their existence together, and especially as he went through cancer remedy.

Did Chris Mortensen smoke?

Following the inside track that Chris have been recognized with throat most cancers, many naturally puzzled whether the prognosis may have had the rest to do with a previous smoking addiction.

According to reports, Chris had never been a smoker, so it kind of feels that any demanding situations he faced with regard to his well being had not anything to do with his own habits.

When he first returned to broadcast after having been identified, many noticed that Chris had misplaced a substantial amount of weight because the previous part of his occupation. The weight reduction was due almost completely to his combat with throat most cancers, which is why some felt he appeared slimmer at the very finish of his time at the air.

Following the news of his death, everybody from fellow journalists to Peyton Manning paid tribute to Chris and his lengthy career as a reporter.

"We lost a true legend," Peyton wrote in a social media post. "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."

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfmLWztdJmpKiqpJq7tLHNZpqaraOaerCyjJ2cmqyY