Chris Mortensen Announces Retirement From ESPN

The veteran reporter has been with the network since 1991.

Chris Mortensen has been a longtime staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage, but the veteran reporter’s time at the network has come to an end. On Tuesday, Mortensen announced that he quietly stepped away from the network after the NFL draft in April.

“It’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” Mortensen said. “It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time.”

Excited about another season but it’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith.
The gratitude and humility is overwhelming.
It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball.…

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 5, 2023

Mortensen, who will turn 72 in November, first joined the network in 1991 and has since been one of ESPN’s primary NFL insiders. In 2016, Mortensen took a leave of absence while battling throat cancer. Following successful treatment, he returned to the network.

After Mortensen publicized his decision, many sports media figures congratulated him on his lengthy career.

When I was young and just starting out at ESPN a quarter of a century ago, Mort, who was the King at the time, always treated me with respect and as a peer that left an impression on me I haven't forgotten. https://t.co/2Tyc4D04dg

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) September 5, 2023

Congratulations to one of the best to ever do it. A remarkable reporter and an even better friend to so many along the way. An insider with great information who always made covering football fun.
Go enjoy all the joys in life Chris, you deserve it all. https://t.co/sSDsYp4vQo

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 5, 2023

All will miss your presence, your humor and your incredibly detailed reporting. Few will miss you more than I will for your advice, wisdom and friendship. Nobody has meant more to me than you, @mortreport.
God bless you and Micki and Alex. See you on the golf course in May. https://t.co/pXqVcYnLeQ

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 5, 2023

A Legendary Run By Mort Report, the Ultimate Insider.

One of the True Pioneers in Sports TV. https://t.co/A0pHOHoyWL

— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) September 5, 2023

A run for the ages. One of the best ever. Well done, @mortreport. 🫡 https://t.co/B5KLZENjAr

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 5, 2023

After being hired, the very first congratulatory phone call that I received came from Mort. Something that I’ll never forget. You’re a living legend and icon of the sports industry, my friend.

Enjoy the well deserved time with the family and loved ones. All the best! https://t.co/XLc4eP4qSe

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 5, 2023

There has been no greater honor than to work with, and learn from, a man on ESPN’s Mount Rushmore. He has been an exemplary husband, father, friend and co-worker. He paved the way in this industry. He is a legend. Thank you for all you did for ESPN and so many, Mort. Love you.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2023

Prior to Mortensen’s ESPN tenure, he served as a writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.