Who was Chris Mortensen?
Chris Mortensen announced his retirement from the NFL last year following the draft, citing a desire to prioritize his health, family, and faith. Unfortunately, the esteemed journalist, known for his award-winning coverage spanning nearly four decades, passed away on the morning of March 3 at the age of 72. ESPN confirmed his passing, though the cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
Chris Mortensen (1951-2024)
Chris Mortensen, an American journalist renowned for his contributions to ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com, passed away on March 3, 2024.
Early Life
Mortensen’s journey began at North Torrance High School in Torrance, California, followed by enrollment at El Camino College. He interrupted his studies to serve two years in the Army during the Vietnam War.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Mortensen |
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1951 |
| Date of Death | March 3, 2024 |
| Cause of Death | Maybe Cancer [Not Sure 100%] |
| Age | 72 |
| Occupation | American Journalist |
| Employer | ESPN |
| Notable Shows | Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, |
| SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com | |
| Spouse | Micki Mortensen |
| Children | Son: Alex Mortensen (Coach, Former Pro Quarterback) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters). |
| Weight | |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Health Battle | Diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer in 2016; |
| Survived eight years beyond diagnosis |
Age of Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen, born on November 7, 1951, led a distinguished career as an American journalist until his passing on March 3, 2024, at the age of 72. Throughout his life, Mortensen left an indelible mark on the world of sports journalism, particularly through his insightful coverage on ESPN platforms.
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Micki Mortensen: Wife and Partner
Chris Mortensen, who passed away at the age of 72, is survived by his wife of 39 years, Micki Mortensen, aged 65, along with their son Alex Mortensen, aged 38. Micki stood as his steadfast companion throughout their nearly four decades of marriage. Together, they raised their son, Alex, who followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career as a football coach after a successful stint as a quarterback, notably at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Micki’s unwavering support and presence undoubtedly played a significant role in Chris Mortensen’s life and legacy.
Chris Mortensen’s Son, Alex
Just months after retiring from ESPN, Chris Mortensen passed away at the age of 72. Unlike his father, who covered football news but never played football past high school, Alex Mortensen went on to play both college and professional football before transitioning into a career in coaching.
Chris Mortensen’s Passing: Cause of Death Cancer
The passing of Chris Mortensen on March 3, 2024, at the age of 72, left many mourning the loss of an esteemed journalist. Despite his significant contributions to sports journalism, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed by ESPN. While Mortensen battled stage IV throat cancer, which he bravely fought for eight years, it is unclear if this illness directly contributed to his passing.
The absence of specific details surrounding his cause of death serves as a reminder of the privacy surrounding such matters, allowing Mortensen’s loved ones and fans to reflect on his enduring legacy rather than dwelling on the circumstances of his passing.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Mortensen |
| Born Date | October 7, 1951 |
| Age | 72 years |
| Death | March 3, 2024, |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Lucky Number | 6 |
| Lucky Stone | Peridot |
| Lucky Color | Blue |
| Best Match for Marriage | Gemini |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Sports reporter and columnist |
| Country | USA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Micki Mortensen |
| Net Worth | $6-10 million |
| Birth Place | Torrance, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | El Camino College |
| Kids | One |
Net Worth of Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen, a seasoned ESPN reporter renowned for his contributions to sports journalism, commands a solid reputation in the industry. Given ESPN’s stature and reputation for offering lucrative salaries to its sports reporters, Mortensen is no exception. As a frequent ESPN anchor, Mortensen is well compensated for his work. In 2018, his net worth was estimated to be $6 million.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How old is Chris Mortensen? | Chris Mortensen was born on November 7, 1951, making him 72 years old At The Age of Death. |
| What is the height of Chris Mortensen? | Chris Mortensen stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters). |
| What is the weight of Chris Mortensen? | Due to his battle with throat cancer, Chris Mortensen has experienced significant weight loss. While his current weight is not specified, his health struggle has impacted his physical condition. |
Social Media Platform
| Social Media Platform | Username/Handle |
|---|---|
Instagram  | @username Not Found |
Twitter  | Chris Mortensen |
| ESPN | Chris Mortensen |
Brief Intro of Chris Mortensen
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chris Mortensen |
| Occupation | Award-winning journalist |
| Affiliation | ESPN |
| Programs | “Sunday NFL Countdown,” “Monday NFL Countdown,” “SportsCenter,” ESPN Radio |
| Website | www.espn.go.com/chrismortensen (Launched in 2000) |
| First ESPN Appearance | 1991 |
| Notable Programs | “NFL GameDay,” “Outside The Lines” series |
| Analyst | ESPN’s coverage of the NFL Draft (1991, 1992) |
| Previous Coverage | The National (1989-90), Atlanta-Journal Constitution (1983-1990) |
| Awards | George Polk Award (1987), National Headliner Award (1978) |
| Other Achievements | Received 18 awards in journalism, nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, authored “Playing for Keeps” |
| Education | El Camino College, two years of service in the Army |
| Birthdate | November 7, 1951 |
Career Overview of Chris Mortensen
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Started journalism career with the Daily Breeze newspaper in Torrance, California |
| 1978 | Awarded the National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting in all categories |
| 1983 – 1990 | Worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and the NFL |
| 1987 | Received the George Polk Award for reporting |
| 1989 – 1990 | Covered the NFL for The National |
| 1991 | Made first appearance on ESPN |
| 1991 | Published the book “Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football” |
| 2015 | Involved in Domino’s controversy alongside Adam Schefter, violating FTC regulations |
| 2015 | Erroneously reported on Deflategate, facing criticism and controversies |
| 2023 | Departed from ESPN after the 2023 NFL Draft |
Chris Mortensen Trivia
- Birthplace: Chris Mortensen was born in Torrance, United States.
- Zodiac Sign: His birth sign is Scorpio.
Early Years and Education
Chris Mortensen, a prominent figure in American sports journalism, hails from Torrance, California. He attended North Torrance High School before continuing his education at El Camino College. However, his academic journey was interrupted by his service in the Army during the Vietnam War, which profoundly influenced his perspective on life and resilience.
Career Beginnings
Mortensen’s entry into journalism was unplanned. Originally aspiring to pursue a career in sports as an athlete, Mortensen redirected his path upon realizing his limitations beyond high school. This shift led him to discover his passion for sports journalism.
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Early Recognition and Awards
Joining the Daily Breeze newspaper in 1969 marked the beginning of Mortensen’s decorated career. His exceptional talent earned him 18 awards in journalism, including the esteemed National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting in 1978.
Diverse Journalism Experience
Throughout his career, Mortensen showcased his versatility, covering a wide array of topics ranging from investigative reports to comprehensive sports coverage. His tenure at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983 to 1990 included reporting on teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN Tenure and Contributions
Mortensen’s impact soared upon joining ESPN in 1991. His insightful reporting and analysis became synonymous with the network’s NFL coverage, gracing flagship programs like Sunday NFL Countdown and NFL GameDay.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his esteemed reputation, Mortensen faced controversies. In 2015, his failure to disclose paid endorsements for Domino’s Pizza on Twitter with fellow journalist Adam Schefter led to FTC violations. Additionally, his inaccurate reporting on football PSI levels during the AFC Championship Game in 2015 drew criticism.
Health Struggles and Resilience
In 2016, Mortensen confronted stage IV throat cancer, a daunting challenge he met with resilience and determination. His courageous battle against cancer showcased his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve.
Legacy and Impact
Chris Mortensen’s legacy transcends his journalistic achievements. His commitment to truth and integrity left an indelible mark on sports journalism. While his passing on March 3, 2024, marked the end of an era, his influence continues to inspire future generations of journalists and sports enthusiasts alike.