The world of sports journalism lost one of its brightest stars on Sunday, March 3, 2024, when Chris Mortensen, the award-winning NFL reporter and analyst for ESPN, passed away at the age of 72. Mortensen, who had been battling throat cancer since 2016, was widely respected and beloved by his colleagues, fans, and sources for his passion, professionalism, and kindness. He covered the NFL for nearly four decades, breaking some of the biggest stories and providing insightful analysis on various platforms.
But who were the people behind the legend? Who were Mortensen’s parents and family, and how did they shape his life and career? In this article, we will explore the personal side of Mortensen, and learn more about his roots, his upbringing, and his loved ones.
The Son of Immigrants
Chris Mortensen was born on November 7, 1951, in Torrance, California, a city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. He was the son of Louis Christian Mortensen and Maren Nielsen, both immigrants from Denmark. His parents met and married in their native country, and then moved to the United States in the late 1940s, seeking a better life and opportunities.
Mortensen’s father, Louis, was a carpenter and a handyman, who worked hard to provide for his family. He also had a passion for sports, especially soccer and baseball, and he passed it on to his son. Mortensen’s mother, Maren, was a homemaker and a devout Christian, who instilled in her son the values of faith, honesty, and humility. She also encouraged him to pursue his education and his dreams.
Mortensen had a sister, Karen, who was two years older than him. They grew up in a modest but loving home, where they learned to appreciate their heritage and their culture. Mortensen spoke Danish fluently, and often visited his relatives in Denmark. He also developed a fondness for Danish food, especially pastries and cheese.
Chris Mortensen Parents
| NAME | CHRIS MORTENSEN |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 7, 1951 |
| Birth Place | Torrance, California |
| Death Date | March 3, 2024 |
| Death Place | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Cause of Death | Throat cancer |
| Age | 72 |
| Spouse | Micki Mortensen (m. 1980 – 2024) |
| Children | Alex Mortensen |
| Grandchildren | Luke and Lily Mortensen |
| Parents | Louis Christian Mortensen and Maren Nielsen |
| Siblings | Mark Mortensen, Paul Mortensen, and Karen Mortensen |
The Aspiring Athlete
Mortensen was a natural athlete, who excelled in various sports from a young age. He played soccer, baseball, basketball, and football, and he dreamed of becoming a professional player someday. He attended Torrance High School, where he was a star quarterback and a pitcher. He led his football team to a league championship in his senior year, and he was named the most valuable player of his baseball team.
Mortensen had several scholarship offers from colleges, but he chose to attend El Camino College, a community college in his hometown, where he could play both football and baseball. He was a standout performer in both sports, and he attracted the attention of scouts and coaches. He was drafted by the California Angels in the 1970 MLB draft, but he decided to continue his education and his football career at Fresno State University, where he transferred in 1971.
However, Mortensen’s athletic aspirations were cut short by a series of injuries and setbacks. He suffered a shoulder injury in his first game at Fresno State, which limited his playing time and his effectiveness. He also struggled academically, and he was eventually dismissed from the team and the school for violating team rules. He returned to El Camino College, where he tried to revive his baseball career, but he was unable to regain his form and his confidence.
The Budding Journalist
Chris Mortensen realized that his chances of becoming a professional athlete were slim, and he decided to pursue a different path. He had always enjoyed writing and reading, and he had a keen interest in sports and current events. He decided to try his hand at journalism, and he enrolled in a journalism course at El Camino College. He also joined the school newspaper, The Warwhoop, where he covered sports and other topics.
Mortensen discovered that he had a talent and a passion for journalism, and he quickly made a name for himself as a reporter and a writer. He also gained valuable experience and mentorship from his journalism instructor, Bob Hunter, who was a former sports editor of the Los Angeles Times. Hunter recognized Mortensen’s potential, and he encouraged him to pursue a career in the field.
Mortensen graduated from El Camino College in 1974, and he landed his first job as a sports reporter at The Daily Breeze, a local newspaper in Torrance. He worked there for four years, covering high school and college sports, as well as professional teams such as the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also developed his skills as an investigative reporter, exposing corruption and scandals in the sports world.
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The Rising Star
Chris Mortensen’s work at The Daily Breeze caught the attention of bigger publications, and he was hired by The Sporting News, a national sports magazine, in 1978. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he became the magazine’s NFL writer and editor. He covered the league with depth and accuracy, and he established himself as one of the leading authorities on the sport. He also wrote features and columns on various topics, and he interviewed some of the biggest names and personalities in the game.
Mortensen’s reputation and influence grew, and he was offered a job by The National, a new sports daily newspaper, in 1990. He moved to New York, where he became the paper’s NFL columnist and senior writer. He broke some of the most important and controversial stories of the era, such as the retirement of Joe Montana, the trade of Herschel Walker, and the suspension of Paul Tagliabue. He also won several awards and honors for his journalism, including the George Polk Award in 1987, and two Pulitzer Prize nominations in 1989 and 1990.
Mortensen’s career reached new heights when he joined ESPN in 1991, where he became the network’s senior NFL analyst and reporter. He was one of the founding members of the network’s NFL coverage, and he appeared on various shows and platforms, such as NFL GameDay, Outside the Lines, SportsCenter, and ESPN.com. He was known for his scoops, his insights, and his connections, and he was respected and trusted by his peers, his sources, and his viewers.
He covered some of the most memorable and historic moments and events in the NFL, such as the rise of Tom Brady, the death of Reggie White, the Spygate scandal, and the retirement of Peyton Manning. He also received the Dick McCann Award from the Professional Football Writers of America in 2016, which recognizes a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to the game.
The Family Man
Chris Mortensen was not only a successful journalist, but also a devoted family man. He married his wife, Micki, in 1984, and they had a son, Alex, in 1989. They lived in Atlanta, Georgia, where they raised their son and supported his endeavors. Alex followed his father’s footsteps and became a football player, playing quarterback at the University of Arkansas. He also pursued a career in coaching, and he is currently the offensive coordinator at Louisiana-Monroe.
Mortensen was very proud of his son, and he often shared his achievements and his love for him on social media. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, fishing, golfing, and watching movies. He was a man of faith, and he was active in his church and his community. He was also a generous and compassionate person, who supported various causes and charities, such as the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Mortensen passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, his son, his sister, and his extended family. He is also remembered by his countless admirers and admirers, who mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy. He was a legend, a pioneer, and a trailblazer in the field of sports journalism, and he left an indelible mark on the NFL and the media. He was also a humble, kind, and generous human being, who touched many lives with his words and his deeds.
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