CNN —Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist and longtime NFL insider for ESPN, has died, the network announced. He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most trusted football insiders. He previously worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covered the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons from 1983 to 1990. In September 2023, Mortensen said he would step away from his role at ESPN “to focus on my health, family and faith.”

---

Persons: Chris Mortensen, Mortensen, ” “ Mort, Jimmy Pitaro, George Polk, ” Organizations: CNN, NFL, ESPN, Atlanta Journal, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, ESPN “