John Brenkus, Emmy-winning host of ESPN's ‘Sport Science,' dead at 54 after battle with depression
John Brenkus, the six-time Emmy-winning host and co-creator of the 'Sport Science' program, has died following a battle with depression, a message posted on his social media pages announced Sunday.
He was 54 years old.
'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,' the message read on X.
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3 John Brenkus in June 2017.
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'John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning 'Sport Science,' had been battling depression.
'John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025.
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'His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.'
Members of the NFL and sports media community paid tribute to Brenkus in the wake of Sunday's tragic news.
'This is incredibly sad. John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John,' ESPN's Adam Schefter penned Monday on X.
'Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family,' former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote Sunday on X.
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3 John Brenkus speaks in September 2018.
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Kristi Dosh, a contributor for Forbes who previously covered the business of college sports at ESPN, also reflected on Brenkus' legacy.
'Just saw the news of John Brenkus passing over on his Facebook profile. So heartbreaking. Sport Science was an incredible show, and I never heard anything but good things about him during my time at ESPN,' she wrote Sunday on X.
As the host of 'Sports Science,' Brenkus helped to 'uncover sports' biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity,' according to the show's ESPN page.
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3 John Brenkus served as the host of 'Sport Science.'
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Brenkus had been candid about his mental health struggles, sharing in a 2023 interview with former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley how he tried to take his own life before his dog saved him.
'In my suicidal funk was like, 'What am I doing?' I literally picked up my phone, called my mom, I said, 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost,'' Brenkus recounted on the program. 'I then went through a battle, I mean, I'm telling you, a battle, to get out of it.
Wiley mourned Brenkus in a post on X, writing Sunday, 'RIP @johnbrenkus_.'
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
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