John Brenkus, who hosted ESPN’s critically acclaimed Sport Science, has died after a battle with depression.
Brenkus’ death was announced in a statement via social media on Sunday, June 1. He was 54 years old.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”
The statement continued, “John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025. His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.”
Sport Science premiered on Fox Sports in 2007 before being picked up by ESPN in 2010. Segments of Sport Science hosted by Brenkus aimed at solving “sports’ biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology” would often air on SportsCenter.
Brenkus was remembered by SportsCenter in a segment that aired on Sunday.
“John Brenkus was an innovator, an entertainer and an educator,” a tribute said. “He will be missed by many.”
Brenkus was also remembered by some of his former colleagues after news of his death was announced.
“This is incredibly sad,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote via X. “John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
Former ESPN anchor and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III shared via X, “Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family 🙏🏾.”
“I’m so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus,” NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry wrote via X. “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.”
On a January 2023 episode of Brinx.tv’s Never Shut Up, Brenkus opened up to host Marcellus Wiley about a past suicide attempt after he fell into a “very deep depression.”
“I had a noose tied around my neck,” Brenkus recalled. “I was ready to do it. And my dog Zeppelin came to my rescue, literally pulled on my pants, on my jeans. Literally was going crazy, wouldn’t leave me alone. In my suicidal funk I was like, ‘What am I doing?’ I literally picked up my phone and called my mom and said, ‘There’s something wrong with me.’ I am mentally lost.”
Brenkus explained he went to “six different psychologists and psychiatrists” before finding a doctor that helped him find “the way.”
At the time, Brenkus said he had “never been depressed a day in my life from that moment forward.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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