Christian Anthony Mortensen (November 7, 1951 – March 3, 2024), known to friends as "Mort", was an American journalist regarded as a pioneer working year-round reporting news of the National Football League (NFL).

[4][8] Mortensen left the network in April 2023 following the 2023 NFL draft due to health problems related to throat cancer.

[11][12] Despite being debunked in the Wells report, Mortensen's original story remained posted on ESPN as late as August 13, 2015, with no retraction, clarification or apology.

"[13] Mortensen was the author of the 1991 book Playing for Keeps: How One Man Kept the Mob from Sinking Its Hooks into Pro Football.

[1][16] On January 15, 2016, Mortensen announced via an ESPN statement that he had been diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer and would consequently be taking a leave of absence from his on-air work at the cable network.

[18] Mortensen survived eight years past the diagnosis, and died at his son's home in Irondale, Alabama, on March 3, 2024, at the age of 72.