Chris Mortensen Retires From ESPN To “Focus On My Health, Family And Faith”
One NFL insider voice that ESPN viewers will not be listening to as the new season kicks off is Chris Mortensen as the football analyst has announced his retirement from the network.
Mortensen had quietly quit the sports network earlier this year and ahead of the start of the NFL season has made it public to all of his fans.
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“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,” he shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Luckily for fans who have been following his career for 33 years, he’s still going to be giving his hot takes on the NFL.
“The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time. God Bless you all,” he added.
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
Following his announcement, his colleagues flooded the replies with words dedicated to his honor.
Adam Schefter shared a photo of himself and Mortensen on the latter’s last appearance on ESPN.
“It never will be the same without him by my side, and all those times will be remembered with remarkable fondness. Working next to Mort was the honor of a lifetime,” Schefter added.
In a separate post, Schefter said, “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.”
This photo was taken at night two of the KC draft, moments before @mortreport finished his final ESPN assignment. It never will be the same without him by my side, and all those times will be remembered with remarkable fondness. Working next to Mort was the honor of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/gexu0FLKur
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2023
ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski wrote, “Best of the best. What an honor it’s been to spend time with Mort and learn from him. A true titan in this industry and an inspiration in every aspect of his remarkable life and career.”
Best of the best. What an honor it’s been to spend time with Mort and learn from him. A true titan in this industry and an inspiration in every aspect of his remarkable life and career.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 5, 2023
Peter King from NBC Sports shared, “One of the all-time greats in our business … and I know it’s a cliche, but Mort’s a better person. He’s left an inspirational trail for so many to follow.”
One of the all-time greats in our business … and I know it’s a cliche, but Mort’s a better person. He’s left an inspirational trail for so many to follow. https://t.co/JDMP61oR5J
— Peter King (@peter_king) September 5, 2023
ESPN anchor Mike Greenberg quoted Mort’s X post and added, “When they tell you someone is great at their job but an even better human being, Mort is the example they should use. All my best wishes and endless respect to one of the kindest and most professional gentlemen I’ve ever known.”
When they tell you someone is great at their job but an even better human being, Mort is the example they should use. All my best wishes and endless respect to one of the kindest and most professional gentlemen I’ve ever known. https://t.co/sftCOAKhZ1
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) September 5, 2023
“Love u brother!” Damien Woody said.
Love u brother! https://t.co/f8C6zXusO1
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) September 5, 2023
ESPN Senior Writer Don Van Natta Jr. posted, “One of the giants. A kick-ass but humble reporter. Always had time to help lift up and support his colleagues, including me. All the best to you, Mort, and the family, always.”
One of the giants. A kick-ass but humble reporter. Always had time to help lift up and support his colleagues, including me.
All the best to you, Mort, and the family, always. https://t.co/Ss2jpxfpSY— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) September 5, 2023
Rece Davis said, “All the best my friend. You elevated the profession, the craft and more important-made everyone around you better. On and off camera.”
All the best my friend. You elevated the profession, the craft and more important-made everyone around you better. On and off camera. https://t.co/TCzMQjxDTp
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) September 5, 2023
Louis Riddick replied, “Love and respect Mort. You are THE best.”
Love and respect Mort. You are THE best.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) September 5, 2023
ESPN reporter Michele Steele replied to Mort’s post, “A class act – a work horse – and a selfless colleague. All the best on the next chapter and many, many congratulations on this one.”
A class act – a work horse – and a selfless colleague. All the best on the next chapter and many, many congratulations on this one.
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) September 5, 2023
ESPN reporter Jenna Laine added, “Congrats on an incredible run, Mort. Epitome of professionalism and class, and a true inspiration. Thank you for raising the bar so high for all of us.”
Congrats on an incredible run, Mort. Epitome of professionalism and class, and a true inspiration. Thank you for raising the bar so high for all of us.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 5, 2023
ESPN analyst Stephania Bell also had some words for Mort saying, “You are an inspiration, Mort. Thank you for all the kindness and wisdom you have shared with me ever since I set foot on this campus. I’m going to miss seeing you…but I couldn’t be happier for you and your family. You have more than earned this time. ENJOY.”
You are an inspiration, Mort. Thank you for all the kindness and wisdom you have shared with me ever since I set foot on this campus. I’m going to miss seeing you…but I couldn’t be happier for you and your family. You have more than earned this time. ENJOY.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) September 5, 2023
Jorge Sedano weighed in and said, “Mort, you’re an absolute legend. Truly a trailblazer and always incredibly kind/helpful to everyone you worked with. Congrats and thank you for being such a great colleague.”
Mort, you’re an absolute legend. Truly a trailblazer and always incredibly kind/helpful to everyone you worked with. Congrats and thank you for being such a great colleague.
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) September 5, 2023
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