ESPN announced today that senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen was diagnosed with throat cancer and will be off the air while he undergoes treatment.
Mortensen said in a statement that he was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer over a week ago.
“My focus shifted significantly to gathering information about the specifics of this cancer,” Mortensen said. “The initial diagnosis was confirmed Friday and there is another test remaining that will determine the best possible treatment plan that will commence in the very immediate future.”
Mortensen said that he received support from ESPN president John Skipper and the rest of the ESPN family, and decided that taking a break from his NFL duties is for the best.
“I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight,” Mortensen said. “We all know somebody, right? I also have the love and prayers of my wife Micki, my family, my friends, colleagues and, most of all, my faith that serve as sources of tremendous strength. I have a peace about this and look forward to the battle.”
Mortensen has been at ESPN since 1991. Before that he worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and at other newspapers.
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, 39,500 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with throat cancer last year.
“Our thoughts are with Chris and his family as he faces this challenge,” Skipper said Friday. “He is an extremely respected colleague, who has the complete support of his entire ESPN family. We wish him strength and hope in the battle ahead and look forward to his return whenever he chooses.”