John Brenkus, a former ESPN host behind the show “Sport Science,” has died.
He was 54.
A social-media statement said Brenkus “had been battling depression.”
“John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025,” reads the statement, which was shared Sunday night on Brenkus’ X account.
Brenkus was the creator of “Sport Science,” which examined the traits, physics and natural phenomena that made sports function and allowed high-performance athletes to be elite.
The show premiered on Fox Sports Net in 2007 before moving to ESPN.
ESPN aired “Sport Science” as a segment on its programming, using science to explain topics such as Odell Beckham Jr.’s one-handed catch, Tyreek Hill’s speed, Anthony Edwards’ athleticism and Victor Wembanyama’s size.
“Sport Science” won six Sports Emmy Awards.
“This is incredibly sad,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote Monday on social media of Brenkus’ death. “John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
Brenkus also founded the production company Brinx TV and co-founded another in BASE Production.
“I’m so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus,” wrote NBC Sports fantasy football analyst Matthew Berry, formerly 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 depression, saying in an interview with Marcellus Wiley that he attempted to take his own life before his dog intervened.
“In my suicidal funk, I was like, what am I doing?” Brenkus told 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.”
At the time, Brenkus said he had found the help he needed and was doing well.
Wiley was among those to pay tribute to Brenkus, writing, “RIP.”
