WASHINGTON — Longtime ESPN journalist Chris Mortensen, who covered the NFL for more than three decades, has died. He was 72.
The network announced the award-winning journalist's death on Sunday and did not disclose details on a cause of death. Mortensen was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in 2016.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said 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," the statement continued.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and was a regular contributor to the network's shows and "SportsCenter," according to ESPN.
The 72-year-old journalist often covered breaking news for ESPN, including Peyton Manning's retirement from the NFL.
The former NFL star paid tribute to Mortenson soon after the announcement of his death.
"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," Manning said on Instagram. "I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort."
Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL Draft last year so that he could “focus on my health, family and faith.”
Mortenson received the Pro Football Writers of America's Dick McCann Award in 2016 and was honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's ceremony that same year.
Mortensen also worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983-89. He covered the Atlanta Falcons from 1985-86 and the league from 1985-89. He left for The National in 1989 and worked there for nearly two years.
“I join the immeasurable number of hearts across the nation, in journalism and the sports community, as we mourn Chris Mortensen. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of knowing Chris through his incredible work beginning at his days at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and like so many, being blessed by his professional excellence and personal grace through the many years that have followed," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “I considered Chris a personal hero of my mine and it is truly hard to imagine sports journalism without him. His ability to take on life’s obstacles with grit and determination was always truly inspiring and his enormous impact on so many, me included, will live on through this work and unwavering friendships.”
A native of Torrance, California, Mortensen attended El Camino College. He served two years in the Army before he began his journalism career at the South Bay (Calif.) Daily Breeze in 1969.
He is survived by his wife, Micki, and son, Alex.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.