ESPN’s John Brenkus Passes Away at 54 Following Battle with Depression
John Brenkus, the esteemed host of ESPN’s celebrated Sport Science, has passed away following a struggle with depression.
The announcement of Brenkus’ death was made in a social media statement on Sunday, June 1. He was 54 years old.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of John Brenkus’s passing,” the statement declared. “John, the co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.tv, and the co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy award-winning Sport Science, was fighting depression.”
The statement further expressed, “John lost his battle with this devastating illness on May 31st, 2025. His grieving family and friends request privacy at this time and urge anyone experiencing depression to seek assistance.”
Sport Science debuted on Fox Sports in 2007 and was adopted by ESPN in 2010. Segments hosted by Brenkus focused on debunking “sports’ biggest myths and mysteries through advanced technology,” frequently appearing on SportsCenter.
Brenkus was honored by SportsCenter in a segment that aired on Sunday.
“John Brenkus was an innovator, an entertainer, and an educator,” a tribute remarked. “He will be missed by many.”
His former colleagues also shared memories following the announcement of his death.
“This is incredibly sad,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter expressed on X. “John excelled at his craft. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
Former ESPN anchor and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III conveyed his thoughts via X, stating, “Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family 🙏🏾.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear of John Brenkus’s passing,” NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry shared on X. “I appeared on an episode of Sport Science years ago, and we maintained our friendship. He was a consummate professional, kind, inspiring, intelligent, and creative. This is heartbreaking. RIP John Brenkus.”
In a January 2023 episode of Brinx.tv’s Never Shut Up, Brenkus candidly spoke to host Marcellus Wiley about a previous suicide attempt during a period of severe depression.
“I had a noose tied around my neck,” Brenkus shared. “I was ready to go. Then my dog, Zeppelin, intervened, tugging on my pants, frantic and persistent. In that dark moment, I realized, ‘What am I doing?’ I picked up my phone and called my mom, saying, ‘Something is wrong with me.’ I felt completely lost mentally.”
Brenkus recounted that he consulted “six different psychologists and psychiatrists” before finding a doctor who guided him towards recovery.
At that time, Brenkus noted he had “never felt depressed again from that moment onward.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress or in crisis, please seek help. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
