Chris Mortensen tributes pour in from Peyton Manning, others in NFL world: 'Heartbroken'

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The NFL lost one of its longtime reporters on Sunday as ESPN announced that Chris Mortensen, who has been with them since 1991, died at 72 years old. 

The loss is one that the league is mourning after Mortensen worked more than three decades covering the NFL. Mortensen was an award-winning journalist, most notably receiving the Pro Football Writers of America's Dick McCann Award in 2016. 

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate," ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro wrote in a statement. "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."

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Analyst Chris Mortensen (Kevin C. Cox/AAF/Getty Images/File)

Many people who met Mortensen offered their condolences on social media, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who has been his colleague with ESPN as well.

"Heartbroken," Manning wrote in his Instagram post in which he showed photos of him with Mortensen. "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 Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort."

ESPN NFL REPORTER CHRIS MORTENSEN DEAD AT 72

Adam Schefter, ESPN's NFL insider, has always had a close relationship with Mortensen. After all, he's always been in his X profile picture. 

"An absolutely devastating day," he wrote