Chris Mortensen, the award-winning ESPN journalist, dies at the age of 72 - just six months after retiring following 32 years with the sports network

Chris Mortensen, the award-winning ESPN journalist, died at the age of 72 on Sunday morning. 

The NFL insider, who joined ESPN in 1991, only retired from the network after 32 years ahead of the 2023 NFL season back in September. 

The network announced his passing in a statement on Sunday afternoon. A cause of death was not given. 

'Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,' ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared.

He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.'

Chris Mortensen, the award-winning ESPN journalist, died at the age of 72 on Sunday 

The NFL insider only retired from the network after 32 years ahead of the 2023 NFL season

Mortensen was considered one of the country's top NFL journalists after quickly rising up the ranks at ESPN and becoming a regular on the network’s top shows.

Before working at ESPN , Mortensen wrote for The National Sports Daily , The Sporting News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .

He was put on temporary leave by ESPN in 2016 as he battled Stage IV throat cancer, but eventually returned to the fold and was the recipient of great news later on that year when he shared that his treatment led to 'virtually zero' detection of cancer.

And while he fought cancer, Mortensen was the first to report that Peyton Manning was retiring at 18 years in the NFL

Mortensen announced he would be retiring from his reporting duties on September 5 but had hinted that he would keep a keen eye on all the action from the gridiron. 

'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,' Mortensen tweeted at the time. 

'The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It's not a classic retirement. I'll still be here talking ball. It's just time,' added Mortensen. 'God Bless you all.' 

Tributes from many of his former colleagues flooded in after the news of his death broke. 

While he fought cancer, Mortensen was the first to report that Peyton Manning was retiring

Mortensen was considered one of the US's top NFL journalists after quickly rising up the ranks 

Mortensen with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday Night Countdown in 2006

'An absolutely devastating day,' Adam Schefter posted. 'Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. 

'Sincerest condolences to his family, and all who knew and loved him. So many did. Mort was the very best. He will be forever missed and remembered.'

Mike Greenberg shared: 'Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest, most generous gentlemen you could ever come across, in any field. 

'His professionalism and decency earned him universal admiration - his enthusiasm and good nature made him everyone’s friend. 

'His mark on the business will last a long time, his impact on those of us lucky enough to know him well will last the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, Mort. We will treasure your memory forever.'

Manning, whose retirement Mortensen broke, honored the former journalist by sharing a photo of the pair to his Instagram. 

'Heartbroken. We lost a true legend,' the former quarterback wrote. 'Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort.'

Tributes from his former colleagues and from around the NFL flooded in after the news broke 

The New Orleans Saints also penned a tribute of their own, hailing Mortensen for his grace and dignity.

'The New Orleans Saints are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime ESPN journalist Chris Mortensen,' the franchise's X account shared. 'He covered the league with class, grace and dignity.

'Chris greatly valued the personal relationships he forged through his countless visits to New Orleans.

'At this most difficult time we offer our sincerest condolences to his family, colleagues and countless friends. He will be greatly missed'

'Another great one has left us,' Colts owner Jim Irsay said. 'So sad to hear of Chris Mortensen’s passing. Mort was a dear friend, and an award-winning legend. My heart goes out to his family.'