Christian Anthony Mortensen, better known as "Mort" to his friends, was an American journalist recognized for his groundbreaking work in year-round NFL news reporting. He was considered a pioneer in the field, dedicating his career to covering the National Football League throughout the year.
November 7, 1951: Birth of Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen, known as "Mort", was born on November 7, 1951. He would go on to become a renowned American journalist and pioneer in year-round NFL reporting.
1969: Career Start at the South Bay Daily Breeze
Chris Mortensen's journalism career began in 1969 at the South Bay Daily Breeze.
1978: National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting
Chris Mortensen won the National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting in 1978.
1983: Start at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chris Mortensen joined the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1983, where he would work for seven years.
1985: Beginning of Super Bowl Coverage
Chris Mortensen started his extensive Super Bowl coverage in 1985. He would go on to cover every Super Bowl except for Super Bowl 50.
1987: George Polk Award
Chris Mortensen received the prestigious George Polk Award in 1987 for his impactful reporting.
1989: Joining The National
In 1989, Chris Mortensen became one of the first writers hired by editor Frank Deford at The National, where he covered the NFL.
1990: Departure from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 1990, Chris Mortensen left the Atlanta Journal-Constitution after seven years of working there.
1991: ESPN Debut and Pioneering Insider Reporting
Chris Mortensen made his first appearance on ESPN in 1991, becoming the network's first "insider." He quickly established himself as a pioneer in "insider" reporting for the NFL on national television, breaking significant news like Peyton Manning's retirement.
1991: Release of "Playing for Keeps"
Chris Mortensen authored the book "Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football," which was released in 1991.
1999: Film Release: "The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling"
In 1999, Chris Mortensen created and released the film "The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling."
January 18, 2015: AFC Championship Game with Deflated Footballs Controversy
The AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts took place on January 18, 2015, sparking controversy over the alleged deflation of footballs. This event later led to an erroneous report by Chris Mortensen.
January 21, 2015: Erroneous Report on Deflated Footballs
On January 21, 2015, Chris Mortensen incorrectly reported that 11 of 12 footballs used in the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts on January 18, 2015, were underinflated.
July 31, 2015: Cancellation of WEEI Radio Show Appearance
Chris Mortensen was scheduled to appear on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan radio show on July 31, 2015, but cancelled. He stated he would not be made a centerpiece of the misreported deflated footballs story.
August 13, 2015: Uncorrected Deflated Footballs Story
Despite being debunked by the Wells Report, Chris Mortensen's initial story regarding the deflated footballs in the AFC Championship game remained on ESPN without corrections, clarifications, or an apology as late as August 13, 2015.
January 15, 2016: Announcement of Stage IV Throat Cancer Diagnosis
On January 15, 2016, Chris Mortensen publicly announced his diagnosis of stage IV throat cancer through an ESPN statement. Consequently, he took a leave of absence from his on-air work at ESPN.
August 2016: Pro Football Hall of Fame Honor
In August 2016, Chris Mortensen was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame during its enshrinement ceremony.
April 2023: Departure from ESPN
Chris Mortensen left ESPN in April 2023 after the 2023 NFL draft due to health complications related to his throat cancer.
March 3, 2024: Death of Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 72. He died at his son's home in Irondale, Alabama, after an eight-year battle with stage IV throat cancer.