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John Brenkus, ‘Sport Science’ Pioneer, Dies at 54 After Depression Battle

Testimonials from ESPN peers to former NFL players paid tribute to his Emmy-winning innovations in sports media alongside his candid mental health advocacy.

Overview

  • John Brenkus died on May 31 at age 54 after battling depression, as confirmed in a statement posted to his X account on June 2.
  • He co-created and hosted Sport Science from 2007 to 2017, earning six Emmy Awards for episodes that used cutting-edge technology to decode athletic performance.
  • Brenkus had publicly detailed his mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt in 2023, and credited his dog and a team of psychologists and psychiatrists for helping him find stability.
  • The sports world responded with tributes from figures such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Marcellus Wiley, Robert Griffin III and Matthew Berry who lauded his innovative approach to sports media.
  • His family and friends asked for privacy and urged anyone facing depression to seek help, underscoring his lasting commitment to destigmatizing mental illness.