ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen died Sunday at the age of 72.
Mortensen was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, though he continued to work through his illness after a leave of absence. The award-winning journalist covered the NFL for 30 years at ESPN, making his final appearance during the 2023 NFL Draft last April.
Prior to the 2023 NFL season, Mortensen announced he would step away from his coverage to "focus on my health, family and faith."
He remained active on social media throughout the season, continuing to offer his well-respected insights on the game he covered for so long.
Many in the sports industry paid their respects to Mortensen's incredible career following ESPN's announcement of his passing.
MORE: NFL and sports media world mourn loss of Chris Mortensen
On Monday, the network released its tribute video to the all-time great, narrated by NFL insider Adam Schefter.
ESPN's tribute video to Chris Mortensen
Schefter worked alongside Mortensen for several years as they spearheaded ESPN's NFL coverage.
Schefter called Mortensen his "mentor," before offering a message that Mortensen wanted to share upon his death.
"After Mort was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in 2015, before fending it off in 2017, he was asked what he would think and what would go through his mind if he knew he were dying, as he almost did," Schefter began.
"Mort said he would think of all his incredible life experiences. How blessed he has been, even with the heartbreaks along the way. He also added he would be sad to say goodbye to the people he loved, but he would be going to a place of glory."
Schefter continued narrating Mortensen's life and journey to becoming an award-winning NFL journalist, closing the video with some thoughtful words on his long-time colleague.
"Mort really didn't need any awards to validate his greatness. ... Here's the truth about a man we loved as much as we respected: If someone's life makes you sad when it ends, it's because it was wonderful when it happened. Mort's truly was."
You can watch ESPN's full tribute video to Mortensen below.
The life and legacy of our beloved friend and colleague Chris Mortensen.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
Produced by @VinnyColadonato pic.twitter.com/PhYiSFHYln
