John Brenkus, a former ESPN host behind the present “Sport Science,” has died.
He was 54.
A social-media assertion mentioned Brenkus “had been battling depression.”
“John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025,” reads the assertion, which was shared Sunday night time on Brenkus’ X account.
Brenkus was the creator of “Sport Science,” which examined the traits, physics and pure phenomena that made sports activities operate and allowed high-performance athletes to be elite.
The present premiered on Fox Sports activities Web in 2007 earlier than transferring to ESPN.
ESPN aired “Sport Science” as a phase on its programming, utilizing science to clarify subjects similar to Odell Beckham Jr.’s one-handed catch, Tyreek Hill’s pace, Anthony Edwards’ athleticism and Victor Wembanyama’s dimension.
“Sport Science” gained six Sports activities Emmy Awards.
“This is incredibly sad,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote Monday on social media of Brenkus’ dying. “John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
Brenkus additionally based the manufacturing firm Brinx TV and co-founded one other in BASE Manufacturing.
“I’m so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus,” wrote NBC Sports activities fantasy soccer analyst Matthew Berry, previously of ESPN. “I did an episode of Sport Science back in the day and we remained friends. The ultimate professional, he was kind, encouraging, smart and inventive. This is awful.”
In 2023, Brenkus opened up about his battle with melancholy, saying in an interview with Marcellus Wiley that he tried to take his personal life earlier than his canine intervened.
“In my suicidal funk, I was like, what am I doing?” Brenkus advised Wiley. “I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and I said, ‘There’s something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.’ I then went through a battle — I’m telling you, a battle — to get out of it.”
On the time, Brenkus mentioned he had discovered the assistance he wanted and was doing properly.
Wiley was amongst these to pay tribute to Brenkus, writing, “RIP.”
