On January 15, 2016, Mortensen announced via an ESPN statement that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer and would consequently be taking a leave of absence from his on-air work at the cable network.
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Mortensen added that he will continue to undergo scans and regular scheduled exams, “to monitor his health”. he said he will begin to strengthen his body through rehab after his extended stay in the hospital resulted in significant weight loss, strength, endurance and related health issues.
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Mortensen mentioned that his career in journalism began when he realised he no longer could compete in football, basketball and baseball beyond high school. He forsook his goal of being a teacher and coach when he realised how competitive sports journalism could be.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and has been a staple of the station’s NFL coverage ever since. His role as a senior NFL analyst has made him the face of several shows on the network, including Insiders, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
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