Some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting took to social media to mourn the death of Chris Mortensen, the award-winning senior analyst for ESPN. He was 72.

Mortensen announced in 2016 that he he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, he was the first to confirm the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

“We lost a true legend,” Manning said in a social media post. “Mort was the best in the business and I cherished our friendship. I trusted him with my announcement to sign with the Broncos and with the news of my retirement. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with Micki & his family. Rest in peace, Mort.”

Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL draft last year so that he could “focus on my health, family and faith.”

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said during the end of coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday that Mortensen texted him to ask how he thought Spencer Rattler would do during the quarterback workouts in Indianapolis.

“He’s just one of the sweetest souls you will have ever met, and he loved his sport,” Jeremiah said. “That’s why when we found out about this, the last thing I want to do is come out here. But, man, he would punch me in the face if we didn’t if we didn’t do this and have fun and enjoy this great game that he loved so much.”

Others, including Kirk Herbstreit took to social media to mourn the loss.

“Just hearing this news,” Herbstreit posted. Mort was always one of the classiest folks I ever came across, not only in this industry, but in life in general. Carried himself with great integrity and prided himself on the credibility of his reporting. RIP Mort and thank you for being such an example for all of us to follow. You’ll be missed greatly. My condolences to his family as they grieve his passing.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.