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Today there is sad news from the world of sports media.
John Brenkas – Best known journalist and TV personality for his Emmy Award-winning series Sports Science – He died unexpectedly.
He was only 54 years old.
The news of Brenkas’s passing comes from the courtesy of a statement from his family. He also shared details about his last day.
John Brenkas was battling depression, his family revealed
The official cause of the death has not been revealed, but Brenkas’ loved ones hinted that he may have taken his life.
“It’s a deep sadness to be sharing the news that John Brenkas has passed away,” they wrote on Facebook:
“The co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.TV and six-time Emmy Award-winning co-creator and host of “Sports Science” was battling depression.
“John lost his battle on May 31, 2025 due to this terrible illness.
“His grieving family and friends are now asking for privacy and encourage anyone struggling with depression to seek help.”
Friends and colleagues pay tribute to Brenkas
The news of Brenkas’s passing prompted the pouring of kind words from many of his famous colleagues.
“This is incredibly sad. John was very good at what he did. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Please rest in peace, John.” Adam Shifter I wrote about it on X (formerly Twitter) today.
“Prayers for John Brenkas and his family,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III Tweet.
“I just saw the news that John Brenkas would hand over her Facebook profile. It was so heartbreaking. Sports Science is an incredible show and I’ve never heard anything good about him during my time at ESPN,” he added. Forbes Contributors and former ESPN employees Christie Dosch.
John Brenkas’s Legacy
Starting running on FSN, Sport Science moved to ESPN for a third season.
The highly acclaimed series was nominated for a total of nine Sports Emmy Awards, winning two.
Brenkas has spoken openly over the years about his fight against depression and suicidal tendencies.
“In my suicide funk, ‘What am I doing?’ I literally called my mother and said, ‘I’m mentally lost.’ Brenkas said Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley in an interview in 2023.
“Then I went through a fight. I mean, I’m telling you a fight to get out of it.”
During this extremely difficult time, our thoughts on John Brenkas’ loved ones.
