John Brenkus, the Emmy Award-winning creator and host of Sports Science, has died at the age of 54. His death was announced via an official statement on his social media accounts on Sunday, June 1, 2025. According to the statement, he passed away on May 31 following a long, private battle with depression.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,” the post read. “John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy Award-winning Sports Science, had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness.”
Who Was John Brenkus?
John Brenkus was a pioneer in sports media, best known for using science and technology to uncover the mechanics behind elite athletic performance. He co-created and hosted Sports Science, which originally aired in 2007 on FOX Sports Net before moving to ESPN for its later seasons. The show received critical acclaim and won multiple Sports Emmy Awards for its innovative approach.
In addition to his work in television, Brenkus co-founded Base Productions and later launched Brinx.TV, a digital platform designed to deliver interactive, sports-focused streaming content. His work profoundly changed how fans experience and understand sports.
Advocate for Mental Health
Brenkus was also known for his honesty about mental health struggles. In a 2023 interview with his friend and Brinx.TV co-founder, former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus opened up about a suicide attempt. He credited his dog with saving his life and shared this emotional experience to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help.
- “RIP @johnbrenkus_,” Wiley posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Your voice, your heart, and your fight meant so much to so many.”
Brenkus became a strong advocate for mental health support, using his platform to speak openly about depression and emotional well-being.
Impact on Sports and Media
Through Sports Science, Brenkus made science exciting and accessible. By examining the physics, biomechanics, and data behind sports performance, he educated millions while making them feel closer to their favorite athletes. The show featured in-depth analysis of stars like LeBron James, Drew Brees, and Serena Williams, offering a new way to appreciate human achievement.
His innovative approach bridged the gap between entertainment and education, influencing not only fans but also aspiring athletes, coaches, and even medical professionals.
At Brinx.TV, he continued to reshape how sports stories are told, focusing on real-time fan engagement and behind-the-scenes content that put the viewer in control of the narrative.
Family’s Request and Mental Health Resources
Brenkus’s family has requested privacy during this time of mourning. They also encouraged anyone who is struggling with mental health issues to seek professional support.
Depression affects people from all walks of life, regardless of success or fame. John Brenkus’s death is a heartbreaking reminder that mental illness is often invisible but deeply real.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Please consider reaching out to one of the following U.S. mental health resources:
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org
- MentalHealth.gov: Resources and help available at mentalhealth.gov/get-help
- Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can call 988 and press 1, or visit veteranscrisisline.net
John Brenkus’s Legacy
John Brenkus leaves behind a lasting legacy—not just through his groundbreaking television work, but also through his advocacy and courage in speaking openly about mental health.
His death in 2025 is a major loss to the world of sports media and scientific storytelling. But his influence will continue to resonate with those he inspired, educated, and empowered.
Let us honor his legacy by continuing the conversation he helped start—about science, about innovation, and about the importance of mental health.
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