Chris Mortensen Bio, Parents, Wife, Children, Siblings, Net Worth

Chris Mortensen Bio, Parents, Wife, Children, Siblings, Net Worth: Renowned American journalist, Chris Mortensen has died, aged 72.

He was known for providing reports for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.

Chris Mortensen died on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Specifics of his death are not yet known, though Mortensen had been battling cancer for years.

On January 15, 2016, Mortensen announced via an ESPN statement that he had been diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer and would consequently be taking a leave of absence from his on-air work at the cable network.

Mortensen worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The National before joining ESPN ESPN in 1991 and quickly became one of the top NFL reporters in the country.

He appeared on the network’s top shows and frequently broke some of the biggest news across the league including in 2016, when he revealed that longtime quarterback and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning was retiring.

In 2016, he briefly stepped away after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He returned and made television appearances on ESPN again, but his role was revised in 2019 so he could focus more on breaking news.

Mortensen then announced last year that, after the 2023 NFL Draft, he was retiring so he could focus on his “health, family and faith.”

Mortensen also spent time as a columnist for The Sporting News, was a contributor to Sport magazine, and worked as a consultant with CBS Sports’ “NFL Today.” He won 18 total awards and was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes throughout his journalism career.

Following news of his death, Chris Mortensen received a slew of tributes from fans, colleagues, and friends, including NFL icon Peyton Manning. The journalist was the first to report the news of the legendary Broncos quarterback’s retirement.

“Heartbroken,” the athlete wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of himself with Chris Mortensen. “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.”

Chris Mortensen Age

Chris Mortensen was 72 years old when he died in February 2024. The award-winning journalist was born on November 7, 1951, in Torrance, California, United States

Chris Mortensen Parents

Chris Mortensen was born to Louis Christian Mortensen (father) and Maren Nielsen (mother), both immigrants from Denmark. His parents met and married in their native country and then moved to the United States in the late 1940s.

Chris Mortensen Wife

Chris Mortensen was married to Micki Mortensen. The late journalist and his wife, Micki were married for 39 years.

Chris Mortensen Children

Chris Mortensen is survived by his son, Alex Mortensen who was born on November 24, 1985. He’s an American football coach and former player.

Chris Mortensen Siblings

Chris Mortensen has never shared any information regarding his siblings making it unknown whether or not he’s the only child of his parents; Louis Christian Mortensen (father) and Maren Nielsen (mother)

Chris Mortensen Net Worth

Chris Mortensen had a net worth of $6 million. Thanks to his career as a journalist. He also authored the 1991 book; Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football.