Chris Mortensen, the legendary NFL insider who covered the league for close to four decades, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 72. Mortensen, who spent 32 years as a senior analyst at ESPN, was widely respected as an industry pioneer and beloved as a supportive teammate. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro confirmed Mortensen's death, stating that he covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, making him a top figure in his field for many years.

In 2016, Mortensen announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer, but continued to work and break major NFL news stories. He was the first to confirm Peyton Manning's retirement, a moment that Manning himself shared was a testament to Mortensen's professionalism and friendship. Mortensen retired after the NFL draft last year to focus on his health, family, and faith.

Throughout his career, Mortensen made a significant impact on sports journalism, receiving the Dick McCann Award from the Professional Football Writers of America in 2016. The award was later renamed in his honor to the Bill Nunn Jr. Award, presented annually to a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to NFL coverage. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Mortensen for his relentless pursuit of news and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.

Mortensen's influence extended beyond his work at ESPN, as he also wrote for various publications and served as a consultant for CBS' "The NFL Today." Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed his admiration for Mortensen, calling him a personal hero and a great man who will be deeply missed.

Mortensen is survived by his wife, Micki, and son, Alex. His passing has left a void in the sports journalism community, with many colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a true legend in the field. ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter described Mortensen as one of the greatest reporters in sports history, emphasizing his impact on the industry and the lasting memories he leaves behind.