“You’ll Be Missed, Buddy! R.I.P.”: Stephen A. Smith Joins NFL Community to Pay Homage to Chris Mortensen

The football world has suffered a great loss. One of its greatest reporters, Chris Mortensen passed away at the age of 72. The Sunday NFL Countdown host was also an NFL Draft specialist and a contributor on SportsCenter as well. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro described Mortensen as a “hard-working teammate” who had an “extraordinary skill and passion” for the job.

The demise of the renowned journalist has brought together sports analysts and commentators who paid homage to ESPN’s veteran reporter. To a lot of people, he was a great friend and an even better colleague. As the NFL realm mourned, Stephen A. Smith along with many other NFL journalists shared their last goodbyes to Mortensen.

In an emotional post on X, Stephen A. Smith wrote, “Sad, Sad day. Just heard the news of my guy, @mortreport’s passing. So sad. Great insider. Great professional. Great colleague. Great man. Was always so good to me. You’ll be missed, Buddy! R.I.P.” Mortensen became a part of the ESPN family in 1991 and his eminent works have also included the regular news breaker for ESPN in 2016 concerning the retirement of Peyton Manning from the NFL.

Thus, it was not a surprise to witness the 2x Super Bowl Champion take to his social media handle and share his “heartbroken” condolences. Manning wrote, “We lost a true legend. 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 [his wife] Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort.”

Joining in to share their sorrow and deep sadness on the news of the demise, the Denver Broncos also posted on X, “The Broncos join the rest of the @NFLcommunity in mourning the passing of legendary @ESPNjournalist Chris Mortensen. We’ll miss you, Mort. 🧡💙”.

Moreover, Adam Schefter, who has been a colleague for Mortensen on ESPN also had a few words to say about this sad loss. He wrote on X, “An absolutely devastating day. 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.”

Given the heartfelt messages that came pouring in after the sad news was delivered by the ESPN Chairman, it is evident that Chris Mortensen has left an impression beyond his professional identity. His presence as a hardworking, passionate, and sincere person will always be remembered. His role as a family man is an indication of the same. Recalling an instance along these lines, ESPN’s Vice President and Executive Producer Seth Markman shared a beautiful story.

Chris Mortensen’s legacy was beyond a journalist

Seth Markman shared an instance where Mortensen wished him Father’s Day with a special touch. Markman wrote on X, “This is the Mort I will remember forever. When I got the call from his beloved Wife today, I was on line for a ride at Disney World with my family. Nothing made him happier than when people took time away from their busy jobs to spend with family. My life will never be the same. Love you Mort.”

The post on X showed the conversation between the ESPN VP and Mortensen as the journalist wrote to Markman saying, “Happy Father’s Day, I think I may have told you this before but as much as I treasure our friendship, I have even more admiration for you as a father and husband and for Lisa as a mother and wife. The great part is I know you’ll never change.”

The cause of Mortensen’s death is not clear yet, however, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Throat cancer and took some time off “to focus on my health, family and faith.” Mortensen was a lot of things to a lot of people and he will be remembered as one of the greatest at his job for the foreseeable future.

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