ESPN's 'Sport Science' Star John Brenkus Dead At 54

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 10:37 AM ET

One of the most beloved ESPN personalities of the 2010s tragically passed away over the weekend after losing his bout with depression.

On Sunday it was shared that John Brenkus, face of the popular "Sport Science," had died following a mental health battle that he wasn't able to overcome. He was just 54 years old.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away," a statement from his account read on X. "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. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025."

"His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time," the post concluded. "And encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help."

pic.twitter.com/RdjqbQXBr9
— John Brenkus (@johnbrenkus_) June 2, 2025

At it's peak "Sport Science" was one of the best watches on TV and a staple of "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "SportsCenter" specials.

Brenkus had been pretty open about his mental health struggles in recent years as well; recounting those experiences with former ESPN colleague Marcellus Wiley in a 2023 interview.

"In my suicidal funk [I] was like, 'What am I doing?' I literally picked up my phone, called my mom, I said, 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost,'" Brenkus said. "I then went through a battle, I mean, I'm telling you, a battle, to get out of it."

Unfortunately Brenkus' demons crept back up and led to him losing his life before the age of 60.

Brenkus will be remembered as an innovator in sports media that brought scientific data and analysis to fans in a fun and accessible way.

Our thoughts are certainly with his family and loved ones as they wrestle with the emotions of his untimely death. May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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