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Chris Mortensen, who came up with many a scoop at ESPN as the network’s longtime NFL reporter and analyst, has died. He was 72.

Mortensen, a George Polk Award-winning newspaperman who joined ESPN in 1991, died Sunday, ESPN announced on social media.

“We’re very sorry to share the devastating news that Chris Mortensen, an award-winning NFL journalist at ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72,” the network posted on Instagram. “Thanks for everything, Mort. We’ll miss you dearly.”

No details were given about his cause of death, but Mortensen left his ESPN job in January 2016 after revealing that he had throat cancer. He returned to work the 2017 NFL season, even as the cancer spread to his lungs.

“I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight. We all know somebody, right?” he said in a statement back then.

ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen has died.

The journalist, who covered the NFL for over 30 years, was 72 years old.

On Sunday (March 3), ESPN confirmed Chris‘ passing on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro wrote 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.”

Chris announced in 2016 that he would be stepping back from his role on TV as he was battling throat cancer.

An official cause of death has not been made public at this time.

Our thoughts go out to Chris Mortensen‘s loved ones.

We have sadly lost so many celebrities and...

Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for decades, died Sunday. He was 72.

Mortensen’s family confirmed the news to ESPN. While a cause of death was not revealed, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, said in a statement posted on X/Twitter. “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.”

After joining the network in 1991, Mortensen reported on the NFL for ESPN for over 30 years. He was a regular contributor to ESPN’s NFL shows and “SportsCenter.” Mortensen regularly broke news for ESPN, such as Peyton Manning retiring from the NFL in 2016. That same year,...

Chris Mortensen, ESPN’s longtime NFL reporter, has died. He was 72.

The network confirmed the news of Mortensen’s death in a post on X:

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“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro wrote in a statement Sunday. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades.

Chris Mortensen, an award-winning veteran reporter for ESPN, died Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72 and no cause was given, but he had been battling cancer during his life.

“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 one.”

Mortensen took a leave of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which later spread to his lungs. He left ESPN in 2023 after joining the network in 1991.

“An absolutely devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family,...

The roller coaster of ESPN staffing news continued today, as NFL analyst Mina Kimes is set for what’s reported to be a massive new deal. The agreement is worth more than $1.7 million, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, and puts Kimes over seven figures for the first time.

“Kimes’ role with ESPN will basically stay the same,” reported Marchand. She will be featured on NFL Live and make other appearances on the network’s shows.

Additionally, Dan Le Batard announced this morning that Kimes had signed a new deal with former ESPN boss John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”

Kimes will also reportedly continue her podcast, which is produced by Omaha Productions as part of the Peyton Manning-led company’s partnership with ESPN.

The announcements come one day after longtime football analyst Chris Mortensen announced his retirement,...

One NFL insider voice that ESPN viewers will not be listening to as the new season kicks off is Chris Mortensen as the football analyst has announced his retirement from the network.

Mortensen had quietly quit the sports network earlier this year and ahead of the start of the NFL season has made it public to all of his fans.

“Excited about another season but it’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” he shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Luckily for fans who have been following his career for 33 years, he’s still going to be giving his hot takes on the NFL.

“The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time.

John Clayton, the longtime ESPN football reporter nicknamed “The Professor” for his breadth of knowledge about the NFL, died Friday in Washington state after a brief undisclosed illness, his family told ESPN.

“His wife Pat and sister Amy were at his side and communicated earlier he passed peacefully after a brief illness,” his longtime ESPN colleague Chris Mortensen tweeted. “We loved John. We are mourning his loss.”

Clayton’s five-decade career began when he was still a senior at Duquesne University, hired by the Pittsburgh Press to cover the Steelers. But he rose to prominence in his 20-plus years at ESPN, where his bespectacled appearance and encyclopedic knowledge of football won him wide admiration.

After leaving ESPN in 2017, he spent the last five seasons spent as a sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks Radio Network and hosted the “John Clayton Weekend” show on Seattle Sports 710. Just 10 days before his death,...

The 2019 NFL Draft smashed records in both attendance and ratings last week, as a total 600,000 people attended the three-day event in Nashville, Tennessee, and an average 6.1 million viewers watched across linear television and digital platforms, according to Nielsen.

Meanwhile, ABC scored a primetime touchdown with its coverage of Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday night, rising 26% in total viewers compared to the first night of last year’s broadcast on Fox.

For those who had doubted that the Music City could pull off football’s second-biggest event after the Super Bowl with such huge success, don’t feel bad — you weren’t alone.

Also Read: ESPN's Coverage of Larry Nassar, Stories of the Survivor Sisters Wins Peabody Award

“The ratings were tremendous. I was a little surprised by how good the ratings were. I thought going in that this Draft wasn’t as sexy as last year’s,...

The horrific leg injury Chicago Bears Te Zach Miller suffered on Sunday was so bad, surgeons were scrambling to "save his leg" ... according to Espn's Chris Mortensen.  Miller badly dislocated his left knee while trying to catch a Td pass in the 3rd quarter against the New Orleans Saints. He came down on the leg wrong and Miller knew right away the injury was bad.  Now, Mortensen says Miller suffered damage to an artery in...

Espn’s senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen is on the road to recovery — and heading back to TV screens soon. After announcing that he had been diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer in January, the on-air veteran shared good news with viewers via an Espn press statement Wednesday that said, “I received very encouraging news last week from my oncologist team of doctors at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center that now enables me to completely focus on recovery rather than treatment. “The Stage IV throat (oropharyngel) cancer that was diagnosed in early January and treated with intensive chemotherapy and radiation has been virtually reduced to.

Longtime Espn host John Saunders has died unexpectedly, the network confirmed on Tuesday. He was 61.

“John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades,” said John Skipper, president of Espn and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, in a statement. “His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen. More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his long-standing efforts as a passionate board member for...

Espn NFL analyst Chris Mortensen will be taking leave from the sports network to get treatment for throat cancer. “More than a week ago, I was diagnosed with a Stage IV throat cancer,” Mortensen said in a statement Friday on Espn.com. “My focus shifted significantly to gathering information about the specifics of this cancer. The initial diagnosis was confirmed Friday and there is another test remaining that will determine the best possible treatment plan that will commence in the very immediate future. “Consequently, with the support and encouragement from Espn president John Skipper and many others at Espn, I am temporarily.

Espn analyst Chris Mortensen was not keen to enter enemy territory on Friday. The NFL expert was scheduled to appear on Boston radio talk show “Dennis & Callahan” on Weei to discuss his January report about the New England Patriots that was later debunked, according to multiple media outlets. “You guys made a mistake by drumming up business for the show and how I would address my reporting for the first time,” Mortensen told Weei. “I will not allow Weei, Kraft or anybody to make me the centerpiece of a story that has been misreported far beyond anything I did in the first.

2014 NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 2 will air live on ESPN2 and NFL Network. Joining the pantheon of football greats are Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Reed, Michael Strahan and Aeneas Williams. Espn airs the ceremony for the 20th straight year, with live coverage Aug. 2 at 7pm Et on ESPN2 and WatchESPN. Trey Wingo hosts with analysts Tom Jackson and Chris Mortensen. Sal Paolantonio reports. Chris Berman will again emcee the ceremony. Also See: 2014 NFL preseason TV schedule NFL Network’s Pro Football Hall of Fame coverage … Continue reading →

The post 2014 NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony on ESPN2 and NFL Network appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

2014 Espn NFL Draft TV coverage begins Thursday, May 8, at 8pm Et with coverage of Round 1 live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis is a newcomer to Espn’s draft coverage, joining host Chris Berman and analysts Jon Gruden and Mel Kiper Jr. at the main set for Round 1. Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will report from an additional set, and Suzy Kolber conducts interviews with drafted players. Also See: 2014 NFL Draft date, times and TV coverage 2014 NFL Draft TV schedule on NFL Network The Houston Texans have … Continue reading →

The post 2014 Espn NFL Draft TV coverage appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

Top ICM TV and sports broadcasting agent Nick Khan has joined CAA, a source at the agency told TheWrap. Khan represents news anchors Keith Olbermann and Nancy Grace as well as a number of sports broadcasters and personalities. The list includes Espn's Hannah Storm, Jim Lampley, Jalen Rose, boxing trainer Freddie Roach  and Espn radio host Max Kellerman. CAA is a sports powerhouse. The agency represents more than 600 pro athletes, including Lebron James, David Beckham, Peyton Manning and Tony Romo. It's big in sports broadcasting with Jim Rome, Chris Mortensen, Michael...

Peyton Manning spent many a year donning an Indianapolis Colt's horseshoe. How fitting he may enter his NFL career's twilight years similarly equine. Poetic witicism aside, USA Today and Espn report that the four-time NFL Mvp quarterback and former Super Bowl Mvp has asked that agent Tom Condon start contract negotiations with the Denver Broncos. Espn's Chris Mortensen broke the news late Monday morning on SportsCenter....Read more...

Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: April 3, 2012

Price: DVD $22.99

Studio: Virgil

The documentary film Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged examines the resurging interest in the epic and controversial 1957 novel and its writer, Russian-American philosopher and novelist Ayn Rand.

Directed and produced by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Chris Mortensen (Sworn to Secrecy: Secrets of War) the movie explores how Rand’s book — a philosophical manifesto in the form of an epic novel — and her own philosophy of “Objectivism,” which trumpets rational self-interest over altruism, is perceived by many as a prescient blueprint of what is happening in America today.

Via exclusive footage of Rand and scores of new interviews with critics, writers, Rand biographers and friends, as well as noted executives from the business world, the film argues that Atlas Shrugged ‘s view is being frighteningly mirrored in the world today.

Meanwhile, the 55-year-old book is rising to new heights, with its...

On Parks and Recreation, Rob Lowe plays a character who initially came to Pawnee from the state government in Indianapolis. So maybe Lowe’s Chris Traeger used his capital connections when he announced online that star Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was/is going to retire. A devoted Colts partisan, Lowe tweeted yesterday, “Hearing my fave, #18 Peyton Manning will not return to NFL. Wow.”

The Colts went 2-14 this year without Manning, who underwent three neck surgeries, and they recently fired their head coach and general manager. So Colts fans must have, lit-chruly, had a heart attack when they saw Lowe’s scoop.

Rob Lowe is taking on another role – pigskin prognosticator.

The actor lit up social media Wednesday when he tweeted that Peyton Manning was done. Lowe said he'd heard from "my people" that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback would retire later in the day.

No official word yet from Manning, the 35-year-old star who missed this season with a neck injury. But Espn's Chris Mortensen tweeted that Manning's father, Archie, laughed at Lowe's report and said it wasn't true.

Lowe currently is on the NBC hit "Parks and Recreation" that's set in Indiana. He's also friends with Colts owner Jim Irsay – Lowe was the first person Irsay followed on Twitter.

Irsay tweeted his response to Lowe, saying "sources" say Lowe will star in an "epic remake" of a porn movie.

Rob Lowe is taking on another role – pigskin prognosticator.

The actor lit up social media Wednesday when he tweeted that Peyton Manning was done. Lowe said he'd heard from "my people" that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback would retire later in the day.

No official word yet from Manning, the 35-year-old star who missed this season with a neck injury. But Espn's Chris Mortensen tweeted that Manning's father, Archie, laughed at Lowe's report and said it wasn't true.

Lowe currently is on the NBC hit "Parks and Recreation" that's set in Indiana. He's also friends with Colts owner Jim Irsay – Lowe was the first person Irsay followed on Twitter.

Irsay tweeted his response to Lowe, saying "sources" say Lowe will star in an "epic remake" of a porn movie.

Former NFL players Keyshawn Johnson and Emmitt Smith, and ex-NFL coach Bill Parcells will be the new faces on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" pre-game show for the upcoming season.

Johnson and Parcells will be in the studio at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., while Smith will join Steve Young on location in the city where the game is being played.

"This is, bar none, the most impressive group of NFL analysts and experts ESPN has ever had," ESPN executive vp production Norby Williamson said. "From the studio to the site of each week's Monday Night Football game, we will entertain fans and deliver all the information they crave about the NFL."

Trey Wingo will host "NFL Live" on Mondays from 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and be the new host of NFL PrimeTime, airing from 4-5 p.m.

ESPN will also introduce a new NFL show on ESPN Radio on Fridays at 7 p.m. The will include Johnson, Parcells and Chris Mortensen. And a new ESPNEWS Fantasy Insider Show will air on Sundays at 11 a.m.

NEW YORK -- Former NFL coach Bill Parcells has signed with ESPN as an analyst for the channel's "Monday Night Football" telecasts.

Parcells will be a part of ESPN's 90-minute "Monday Night Countdown" from its Bristol, Conn., studios just before the "MNF" games. He also will co-host a Friday night program during NFL season on ESPN Radio with Chris Mortensen and write for ESPN.com.

Parcells was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, which he led for four seasons before stepping down in January. He has been a coach for 19 seasons and won the Super Bowl twice with the New York Giants.

He worked as a studio analyst for ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" in 2002 and was a guest analyst for ESPN and a studio/game analyst for NBC Sports in 1991 and 1992.