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3w ago

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.

John Brenkus hosts the Beyond Sport Global Awards on July 26, 2017 in New York City.
John Brenkus died aged 54.
John Brenkus died on Saturday, his family announced on social media
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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.