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ESPN's Chris Mortensen Dies at 72, Leaving Legacy

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL reporter, died on March 3, 2024, at age 72 after throat cancer.
His career spanned from 1969 to his 2023 retirement, during which he pioneered year-round NFL coverage and earned 18 journalism awards.
Tributes after his death highlighted his integrity and lasting impact on sports journalism.
His son, Alex Mortensen, debuted as interim head coach at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) on October 18, 2025.

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Story summary

Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL reporter, died on March 3, 2024, at age 72 after throat cancer.
His career spanned from 1969 to his 2023 retirement, during which he pioneered year-round NFL coverage and earned 18 journalism awards.
Tributes after his death highlighted his integrity and lasting impact on sports journalism.
His son, Alex Mortensen, debuted as interim head coach at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) on October 18, 2025.