NFL insider Chris Mortensen of ESPN has been diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer, and will be taking a leave of absence as he undergoes treatment for the cancer. Mortensen, who has been at ESPN since 1991, released a statement on ESPN.com regarding the announcement.
"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.
"Consequently, with the support and encouragement from ESPN president John Skipper and many others at ESPN, I am temporarily stepping away from my normal NFL coverage duties to better engage this opportunity to fight the good fight that is projected to affect almost 1.7 million Americans with new cases in 2016."
Prior to ESPN, Mortensen worked at several newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he was an investigative reporter and covered the Braves, Falcons and NFL. He won the George Polk Award for reporting in 1987.
ESPN president John Skipper also released a statement with the news.
"Our thoughts are with Chris and his family as he faces this challenge," Skipper said. "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."
FanBuzz will continue to update this story as more news comes.
