Roger Goodell issues statement on Chris Mortensen’s death, offers family condolences

Long-time NFL analyst and TV personality Chris Mortensen died at the age of 72 this week, with ESPN announcing the news of his death on Sunday afternoon.

In the aftermath of his death, warm wishes have flown in from just about every corner of the globe. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added his on Sunday evening.

“It’s a sad day for everyone in the NFL,” Goodell wrote in a statement tweeted by the NFL. “I admired how hard Chris worked to become one of the most influential and revered reporters in sports. He earned our respect and that of many others with his relentless pursuit of news but also with the kindness he extended to everyone he met.

“He will be greatly missed by many of us in the league who were fortunate to know him well beyond the stories he broke each Sunday. We send our condolences to his family, his colleagues and the many people Chris touched throughout his well-lived life.”

Mortensen had a long and storied career in sports journalism, one that began back in 1969. He covered news, investigations, and of course, sports, before making his first appearance on the world leader in sports broadcasting, ESPN, in 1991. That year, he released a book titled, Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football.

In 2016, Chris Mortensen had to take a leave of absence from his work with the network when he received a diagnosis of Stage 4 throat cancer. He eventually beat the cancer and returned to the airwaves.

He announced his retirement from ESPN in September, opting to focus on his health and his family.

Tributes came from far and wide, including an emotional farewell from Daniel Jeremiah on the NFL Network.

Others who crossed paths with Chris Mortensen over the years also chimed in.

“People impact your life, personally and professionally, in various ways at various levels,” Louis Riddick posted on X. “Chris Mortenson impacted mine to the greatest extent he could given our relationship at ESPN from day one. He did everything he could to help me in all ways, and my respect and gratitude for his friendship has no limit.

“Mort was the very best. He was a Titan in the industry. A pillar of respect. Our business has a gigantic void without him. I feel for all that knew him and loved him, and my deepest condolences to his family. RIP my friend.”

On3’s Nikki Chavenelle also contributed to this report.