As the NFL Draft progresses, a familiar face is missing from the crowd of 150,000 gathered in Detroit. Chris Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for almost four decades, will be deeply missed.

Mortensen, a senior ESPN analyst for 32 years, passed away on March 3, 2024, after announcing his retirement last year to focus on his health, family, and faith. Some reports say Chris Mortensen battled throat cancer, but the exact cause of his death hasn’t been made public. But one thing’s for sure — his colleagues miss him dearly. Especially heading into the NFL Draft, a night filled with crucial decisions for the league’s future is now filled with nostalgia for Mortensen’s colleagues.

NFL remembers Chris Mortensen ahead of the big night

Other analysts expressed their profound sadness and shared cherished memories of Chris Mortensen. They recalled his deep love for the NFL Draft, a night he held dear and always looked forward to. They remembered how he fostered strong connections with people and always managed to bring laughter, even during tense moments. Mortensen was a trailblazer as a “breaking-news” sportswriter. He essentially paved the way for the role of the NFL insider by pursuing scoops on trades, signings, and the Draft for ESPN. His passion for the draft makes this heartfelt tribute a fitting way to honor his memory and lifelong dedication to the sport.

Other analysts shared their deep sadness and cherished memories of Chris Mortensen. They remembered how he built strong connections with people and always found a way to bring laughter, even during tense moments. Mortensen was a pioneer as a “breaking news” sportswriter. He practically carved the way for the role of the NFL insider, by chasing scoops on trades, signings, and the draft for ESPN.  The draft was his favorite night, making this heartfelt tribute a perfect way to honor his memory and his lifelong passion for the sport.

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How did Mortensen make an impact on the NFL draft?

Today’s NFL Draft is a hub of reporters and analysts making predictions, a tradition that was started by Chris Mortensen. As a pioneer, he revolutionized the fan experience of the event with his distinctive reporting style and analysis. It wasn’t until 2009 that Adam Schefter became his partner at ESPN, a testament to the reputation Mortensen had already built for draft-day insights. Together, they created unforgettable moments, such as the shocking news of Peyton Manning joining the Denver Broncos in 2012. This was a significant move after Manning’s 13-season tenure with the Colts. 

As the 2024 draft unfolds with surprise trades and unexpected picks, the void left by Mortensen’s absence is palpable. The contributions of this familiar face will forever be etched in NFL history, and his absence is keenly felt on this thrilling night.