On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Chris Mortensen, a highly esteemed and influential journalist in the National Football League (NFL), passed away at 72. He was in the presence of his beloved wife, Micki Mortensen, and his son, Alex, a coach and former professional quarterback.
Chris Mortensen Bio Summary
Full name: Chris Mortensen
Date of birth: November 7, 1951
Place of birth: Torrance, California
Died on: March 3, 2024
Place of death: Little Rock, Arkansas
Age: 72 years old (as of March 2024)
Wife: Micki Mortensen (m. 1980 – 2024)
Children: Alex Mortensen
Grandchildren: Luke and Lily Mortensen
Parents: Louis Christian Mortensen and Maren Nielsen
Siblings: Mark Mortensen, Paul Mortensen, and Karen Mortensen
Education: North Torrance High School, El Camino College, and Long Beach State University
Occupation: Former ESPN sports journalist
Early Life & Education
Chris Mortensen, born on November 7, 1951, in Torrance, California, was the child of Louis Christian Mortensen and Maren Nielsen. His father was a carpenter from Denmark and his mother was a homemaker from Norway. He had two brothers, Mark and Paul, and a sister named Karen.
Mortensen was raised in a humble and engaged household and developed a passion for athletics from a young age. He participated in football, basketball, and baseball during his time in high school, and aspired to become a pro athlete.
However, he eventually recognized that his writing abilities surpassed his athletic abilities, leading him to pursue a profession in journalism.
Career
At 18 years old, Chris Mortensen embarked on his reporting journey in 1969, joining the South Bay (California) Daily Breeze. He held multiple roles, such as covering high school athletics, law enforcement, legal proceedings, and local government. Additionally, he spent time serving in the military from 1971 to 1974, stationed in Germany.
After his military service, he pursued journalism, writing for several newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Sporting News, the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He covered various sports, including college football, basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis. However, his main focus was on the NFL.
Chris Mortensen became a member of the top-ranked sports media network, ESPN, in 1991. During his time there, he emerged as one of the network’s most influential and notable personalities.
His coverage of the NFL was featured on numerous platforms including SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, NFL Live, NFL Insiders, and NFL Matchup. Additionally, he was a writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine and made appearances on ESPN Radio and various podcasts.
Chris Mortensen was recognized for his exceptional work and impact in the realm of sports journalism, receiving numerous accolades and honors.
In 2016, he was presented with the Dick McCann Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, which is bestowed upon a journalist who has made significant and enduring contributions to the coverage of professional football. Additionally, he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
Personal Life
In 1978, while working at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chris Mortensen met his future wife, Micki Mortensen. They tied the knot in 1980 and welcomed their son, Alex, in 1985. Despite facing challenges, they remained devoted and affectionate partners who always stood by each other.
Micki Mortensen was a multi-talented individual in the field of journalism, known for her contributions as a writer, editor, and author for prestigious publications such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Sporting News, and ESPN The Magazine.
Her literary repertoire included works like “The NFL Encyclopedia” and “The Super Bowl: Celebrating a Quarter-Century of America’s Greatest Game”. In addition to her professional achievements, she was also a cancer survivor who courageously fought against breast cancer in 2008.
Cause of Death
On March 3, 2024, at the age of 72, Chris lost his life to throat cancer. He fought bravely against the illness for a long time. He passed away at his residence in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by his wife and son, in a state of tranquility.
ESPN released a statement announcing the passing of Chris Mortensen, expressing their profound sorrow. Mortensen, a respected figure in sports journalism, spent over 30 years at ESPN. He was known for his bravery and determination, never losing sight of his passion and mission.
Net Worth
According to sources, Chris Mortensen’s net worth was estimated at $6 million. He accumulated his fortune through his extensive and prosperous tenure as a sports journalist, with stints at multiple newspapers, magazines, and networks, particularly ESPN. He was highly regarded and well-compensated in his field, with a devoted and sizable following.
