Tributes are pouring in from across the globe following the unexpected death of beloved sports show host John Brenkus. The founder and host of the acclaimed “Sports Science” passed away on Saturday at the age of 54. His family confirmed that Brenkus had been battling depression and lost his fight with the illness over the weekend.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,” the family stated. “John, co-founder of Base Productions, Founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy award-winning ‘Science’ had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025. His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.”
The Legacy of “Sports Science”
Brenkus rose to fame with the creation of the immensely popular “Sports Science” program. The show originally debuted on Fox Sports Net in 2007 and later moved to ESPN, where it became a staple for sports enthusiasts. The program was renowned for exploring the science behind the performance of some of the world’s top athletes, offering insights into their speed, reaction times, and other physical capabilities.
Filmed inside an airport hangar in Los Angeles, the show left no stone unturned, even delving into how competitive eaters like Joey Chestnut manage to consume vast quantities of food. “Sports Science” was a critical success, earning multiple Emmy Awards during its run.
Innovative Ventures and Personal Struggles
Beyond “Sports Science,” Brenkus was the founder and CEO of Brinx TV, a platform dedicated to sports and general media coverage. Despite his professional successes, Brenkus had been open about his personal battles with depression and suicidal thoughts. In a 2023 interview with former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus candidly discussed his mental health struggles.
“I fell into a very deep depression,” he revealed. “I spiralled into a deep, deep depression and I was flat-out suicidal.”
Tributes from the Sports Community
The news of Brenkus’ passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Marcellus Wiley, who had interviewed Brenkus, expressed his sorrow on social media. “RIP John Brenkus,” he wrote, adding a prayer and heart emoji.
Robert Griffin III also shared his condolences, stating, “Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family. The man who gave us the Emmy Winning Sports Science lost his battle with depression at the age of 54.”
Matthew Berry, another sports media figure, reminisced about his experiences with Brenkus. “I’m so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus. 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. RIP John Brenkus,” he shared.
Impact and Moving Forward
Brenkus’ death has sparked a broader conversation about mental health in the sports community. His openness about his struggles has encouraged others to speak out and seek help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has reiterated the importance of mental health awareness, especially for those in high-pressure environments like sports and entertainment.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” a NAMI spokesperson said. “We urge anyone struggling to reach out for support.”
As the world mourns the loss of John Brenkus, his legacy continues to inspire. His innovative approach to sports media and his candid discussions about mental health have left a lasting impact. The sports community is now tasked with continuing the conversation he started, ensuring that those in need have access to the help and support they deserve.
In the wake of his passing, Brenkus’ family and friends have asked for privacy, while also encouraging those struggling with depression to seek help. The legacy of “Sports Science” and Brenkus’ contributions to sports media will undoubtedly endure, reminding us of the importance of innovation, compassion, and mental health awareness.
