ESPN Broadcaster Chris Mortensen Exits to Focus on ‘Family, Faith’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Long-time ESPN NFL announcer Chris Mortensen revealed that he has stepped away from his position to focus on his family and faith.
In a recent X post, Mortensen wrote, “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. It’s just time. God Bless you all.”
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
In May 2021, Mortensen joined the Sports Spectrum Podcast to discuss his career and faith.
“Our faith and trust is to be in the Lord and the Lord only. It’s not in man, because man will let us down. The flesh lets us down. We all know that. That’s why the Lord sends a Savior,” he said on the podcast.
“We know we’re gonna have trials and tribulations in life, it’s in the Bible,” Mortensen continued. “We know there’s going to be many discouraging times, and we’re gonna be put to the test. And that’s gonna be from start to finish.”
“… I’ve had low moments, certainly low moments. And I’ve had to say, ‘I just give up, Lord. You take it. All these six things right now are overwhelming me. You take it. I can’t handle it.’ And you know what? He does,” he added.
After his announcement, many fellow broadcasters and friends responded to Mortensen.
Broadcaster Adam Schefter wrote, “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.”
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
Analyst Daniel Jeremiah added, “I don’t have enough words to thank @mortreport for all he’s done for me. So grateful for his support & guidance in my career. He opened so many doors for me! Much more than that, he’s been one of [my] closest friends for over 25 years. I love you brother. Excited to see what God has next for you!”
I don’t have enough words to thank @mortreport for all he’s done for me. So grateful for his support & guidance in my career. He opened so many doors for me! Much more than that, he’s been one of closest friends for over 25 years. I love you brother. Excited to see what God has…
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 5, 2023
Sports Spectrum Podcast host Jason Romano shared, “Got nothing but love and respect for you Mort. Can’t wait to see what God does in and through you on the next journey.”
Got nothing but love and respect for you Mort. Can't wait to see what God does in and through you on the next journey.
— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) September 5, 2023
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