Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died at the age of 72.

As per the US media reports, Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and was a regular contributor to the network's NFL shows and "SportsCenter."

He was a regular news breaker for ESPN, including the news in 2016 that quarterback Peyton Manning was retiring from the NFL.

Awards

In 2016, he received the Pro Football Writers of America's Dick McCann Award and was honored during the Pro Football Hall of Fame's enshrinement ceremony in August that year.

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate," Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, said in a statement. "He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones."

ESPN's Adam Schefter, a longtime colleague of Mortensen's on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," said on social media: "An absolutely devastating day. Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family, and all who knew and loved him. So many did. Mort was the very best. He will be forever missed and remembered."

Mortensen, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016, stepped away from his role at ESPN last year "to focus on my health, family and faith," he said.

"Mort helped set the journalism standard in the early days of ESPN. His credibility, attention to detail and reporting skills catapulted our news and information to a new level," Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of studio production for ESPN, said in a statement. "More importantly, he was a great teammate and human being. He personified care and respect for people which became the culture of ESPN."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Mortensen's death was a "sad day for everyone in the NFL."

5 interesting facts

Longstanding ESPN Career: Chris Mortensen began his tenure at ESPN in 1991, where he became a prominent figure in NFL reporting. He contributed to various Emmy Award-winning programs and provided analysis for ESPN's coverage of the NFL Draft.

Domino's Advertising Controversy: In December 2015, Mortensen, along with fellow ESPN journalist Adam Schefter, faced scrutiny for promoting Domino's Pizza on Twitter without disclosing that they had been paid to do so, violating FTC regulations.

Deflategate Reporting Error: Mortensen was at the center of controversy during the Deflategate scandal in January 2015. He initially reported that 11 of the 12 footballs used in the AFC Championship Game were significantly under-inflated, although subsequent investigations found this claim to be erroneous.

Persistence Amid Criticism: Despite facing criticism and challenges regarding his reporting on Deflategate, Mortensen stood by his initial report for a significant period, even amid contradictory evidence and public scrutiny.

Authorship: Mortensen is not only known for his broadcast journalism but also for his literary work. He authored the book "Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football," showcasing his diverse talents beyond traditional reporting.

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