Chris Mortensen has been a staple on ESPN covering the NFL for literal decades since his start at the network back in 1991.
Now, here we are 32 years later, and the veteran reporter is announcing his retirement from the network. Mortensen tweeted that he’d decided to step away from ESPN after the NFL draft back in April.
We hadn’t really seen Mortensen publicly since then, though he remained active on social media. Only now, though, is he officially announcing his retirement.
He did it in the most simple manner possible — with a post on Twitter briefly revealing where he’s been all of this time and what he was about to do.
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.
The gratitude and humility is overwhelming.
It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball.…— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 5, 2023
“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. The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball.”
It’s been a long time coming for Mortensen. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer back in 2016 so it’s not a surprise that he’s stepping away to take care of his health.
Mortensen is a legend in so many households filled with NFL fans. His “Inside the Huddle” segments on ESPN were absolute gold. His draft coverage was always fun and had so much joy attached to it. You could always tell how much he enjoyed his work.
Fans will certainly miss seeing him on TV, surely. But he’ll still be tweeting. With that in mind, so many fans, friends and colleagues took a bit of time to show him love after he made his announcement.
Best of the best. What an honor it’s been to spend time with Mort and learn from him. A true titan in this industry and an inspiration in every aspect of his remarkable life and career.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 5, 2023
There has been no greater honor than to work with, and learn from, a man on ESPN’s Mount Rushmore. He has been an exemplary husband, father, friend and co-worker. He paved the way in this industry. He is a legend. Thank you for all you did for ESPN and so many, Mort. Love you.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2023
Cheers, Mort. Never the wrong time to focus on all those things. Grateful for your friendship and to have been your colleague.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) September 5, 2023
So knowledgeable and admired, yet so humble and selfless. Warmest wishes..
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) September 5, 2023
congrats on everything you’ve accomplished Mort. Hell of a run 🐐
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 5, 2023
Congrats Chris on an amazing career. Loved getting to know you over these years.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 5, 2023
You are an inspiration, Mort. Thank you for all the kindness and wisdom you have shared with me ever since I set foot on this campus. I’m going to miss seeing you…but I couldn’t be happier for you and your family. You have more than earned this time. ENJOY.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) September 5, 2023
Mort, you’re an absolute legend. Truly a trailblazer and always incredibly kind/helpful to everyone you worked with. Congrats and thank you for being such a great colleague.
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) September 5, 2023
A class act – a work horse – and a selfless colleague. All the best on the next chapter and many, many congratulations on this one.
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) September 5, 2023
Congrats on a great run, Mort. Best wishes for you and your family in the next chapter.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2023
A legendary run, Mort! A standard for many. Congrats and wishing you the best.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 5, 2023
Mort, you are a legend. Wishing you peace and all the positive health vibes, my friend.
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) September 5, 2023
The great Chris Mortensen announces he’s stepping away from ESPN. An incredible run. https://t.co/82pl27jMDa
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 5, 2023
I love that no one has anything bad to say about Chris Mortensen. https://t.co/BMIPzBThhO
— Mike Wilson (@mrmgwilson) September 5, 2023
Mort breaking Peyton's retirement during his cancer treatment has stuck with me after all these years. https://t.co/7c4gHVknz2 https://t.co/5TAKcP38lq
— Blind Man (@BlindManBroncos) September 5, 2023
Congrats on a great journalistic career to Chris Mortensen as @mortreport announces retirement from ESPN
Great talent-classy professional-friend to all
Courageous fight with cancerFriends in the media salute you Mort !
— Lee Hacksaw Hamilton (@hacksaw1090) September 5, 2023
Another one of my childhood/early adult life sports personalities has called it quits. Chris is and always will be the gold standard of NFL reporting. Thank you for decades of stellar coverage Mort. #ChrisMortensen #NFL https://t.co/3o7qgnrAKq
— Justin LaSalata (@justinlasalata) September 5, 2023
Legend is an understatement. Thank you for everything, Mr. Chris Mortensen. https://t.co/muGXfENnGO
— Neal Driscoll (@NealDriscoll) September 5, 2023
