birdz4i Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Posted by Mike Florio on January 15, 2016, 3:55 PM EST Getty ImagesESPN’s Chris Mortensen, a pioneer in the sports-reporter-turned-TV-personality industry, has announced that he will be taking a leave of absence.“More than a week ago, I was diagnosed with a Stage IV throat cancer,” Mortensen said in a statement issued by ESPN on Friday. “My focus shifted significantly to gathering information about the specifics of this cancer. 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 added that he will be temporarily stepping away from his duties to focus on treatment for a disease that strikes 1.7 million Americans per year.“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 joined ESPN in 1991, becoming a fixture on the network for the last quarter century. I recall looking forward to seeing his “Inside the Huddle” reports on SportsCenter in the days before the Internet, when it was difficult to find extra information about the teams of the NFL beyond the scraps that made it into local newspapers and the broad-brush, big stories that landed in USA Today.We all indeed have known someone who has battled cancer, and we all now know someone else whose battle will inspire others who face the disease. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Chris and his family during this fight, and we look forward to seeing him back on the air as soon as possible.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/15/chris-mortensen-takes-leave-of-absence-for-throat-cancer/not directly falcons related, but nfl in general. just want to say good luck mort, i am sure you have prayers from lots of people with you in your fight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Jesus, that's horrific. Best wishes to him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckageChild Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 That is terrible to hear. Stage 4 is late. Sad news. Hopefully he can get into remission with his voice intact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey. Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Geez...I really hope he is able to get well and live a long time, but stage 4 throat cancer is no joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thanat0s Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Cancer sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AEFalcon Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 What a scary diagnosis, hoping the best for Mort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 I met Mort once in a mexican restaurant in Douglasville, GA - he went to First Baptist Church in Douglasville - my mother's church. Super nice guy. Hate to hear this news.I looked up the survival rates for the different types of throat cancer -http://www.cancer.org/cancer/laryngealandhypopharyngealcancer/detailedguide/laryngeal-and-hypopharyngeal-cancer-survival-ratesnot encouraging if you are at Stage 4 - which is the most advanced stage. Looks like there are 4 types and the five year survival rates depending on the type range from 24%-44%.Hopefully Mort beats those odds - God Bless him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeRom Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Stage 4 is advanced, but it depends on the cancer and it's susceptibly to modern treatment which is literally changing by the month. Medicine can accomplish some amazing results from cancers which would have been certain death sentence 5 years ago. My prayer is for him to seek the best medical care and advise available; trust and be sustained by hope and peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerSteve Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 That is terrible to hear. Stage 4 is late. Sad news. Hopefully he can get into remission with his voice intact.Doesn't sound intimidated by it at all, which is a great start to beating his cancer. I wish him the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanForLife Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 My sincere prayers and best wishes go out to him and his entire family. As horrible as that news is, one should never give up hope. My sister survived that exact diagnoses for 10 years living until she was 70 years old, and actually had a very active life during that time. Part of that was due to a brand new treatment (brand new in 2005) that dramatically improved her health. The researchers make these breakthroughs quite often.From my own experience, his good attitude and a very strong support network is one of the most important factors in beating this disease.Fight the good fight Chris, and God Bless You. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great American Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 One of my favorites in the business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Falcon Jedi Knight Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Michael Douglas had stage 4 throat cancer, and he survived. So there is hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel City Falcon Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 That's sad news. Hope Mort recovers fully and comes back. He's my favorite insider in the business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HASHBROWN3 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Praying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 My wife's mother just beat it. A year later and she's back better than ever. Good luck Mort.**** cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 I've always liked Mortensen and his reporting. I'll pray for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godzilla1985 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Wishing you a speedy recovery Chris! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godzilla1985 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 My wife's mother just beat it. A year later and she's back better than ever. Good luck Mort.**** cancer.Amen. Unfortunately I lost my mom to cancer back in 2000 so I always root for folks that are afflicted with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiseUpFalcs Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Best of luck to Mort. I lost a family member to throat cancer 2 years ago. Only lasted 6 months from diagnosis. Stage 4. He did not take care of himself though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sun Tzu 7 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 My wife's mother just beat it. A year later and she's back better than ever. Good luck Mort.**** cancer.Yeah**** cancer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Praying for you Mort. Love ya man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Prayers out to you Mort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TifosiMW Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Cancer trying to take everyone this year... Hope he beats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dem Birds Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Prayers for him. My mom is going through a scare right now with a mass on her brain. No official diagnosis yet but I can imagine how scary that is for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdz4i Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 Prayers for him. My mom is going through a scare right now with a mass on her brain. No official diagnosis yet but I can imagine how scary that is for him.prayers to your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.