John Brenkus, the founder and host of the Emmy-winning show Sport Science, has passed away at 54. His official X account announced over the weekend that the producer and television personality died on Saturday, May 31, after a battle with depression.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus had passed away. 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, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.”
John Brenkus was a pioneering figure in sports media, best known as the creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning television series Sport Science. Born in 1971 in Vienna, Virginia, he developed an early interest in athletics and storytelling, which he later combined into a groundbreaking career.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, Brenkus co-founded BASE Productions in 1992, a company specializing in reality and documentary programming that blended science and entertainment. His most notable creation, Sport Science, debuted on Fox Sports Net in 2007 before moving to ESPN. The show used advanced technology and biomechanics to analyze athletic performance, featuring professional athletes and sometimes Brenkus himself to demonstrate the science behind sports. The series earned six Sports Emmy Awards and became a staple on ESPN platforms.
In 2013, Brenkus launched Brinx.TV, a digital media platform that integrated content, commerce, and community. He hosted several shows on the platform, including The NIL House and The GOAT Code, further exploring the intersection of sports and science. Beyond television, he authored the New York Times bestseller The Perfection Point, which examined the limits of human athletic performance. He also hosted The Brink of Midnight Podcast, interviewing various personalities about pivotal moments in their lives.
Despite his professional success, Brenkus openly discussed his struggles with depression, particularly after selling Sport Science to ESPN. He sought help through therapy and aimed to destigmatize mental health issues by sharing his experiences publicly.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use issues, or just needs someone to talk to, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, or by chatting at 988 lifeline.org.
