ESPN’s ‘Sports Science’ Star John Brenkus Has Passed Away at 54
Longtime ESPN star John Brenkus, whose Sport Science series blended the worlds of professional athletics and physics, has sadly passed away at the age of 54.
For those who may not remember, Sports Science was a television show and ESPN segment that explored the science behind athletic performance.
Using advanced technology, biomechanics, and motion capture equipment, the show analyzed athletes’ mental and physical feats and explained the science behind their sports to audiences.
Photo: ESPN
Created by Brenkus, Sports Science originally debuted on Fox Sports Network in 2007 before moving to ESPN the following year.
An Iconic ESPN Segment
Instead of airing full-length episodes, ESPN utilized Sports Science as segments for SportsCenter, Monday Night Countdown, and NFL Live. Over the next decade, the series would be a staple of ESPN, winning six Emmy Awards along the way.
Photo: ESPN
News of Brenkus’s passing was shared by his family, who posted a statement on his X account.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brink.tv, and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy award-winning ‘Sport Science,’ had been battling depression,” the statement read.
Photo: The Steve Harvey Show
“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.”
The ESPN Family Pays Tribute to Brenkus
Following the news of Brenkus’s death, his ESPN colleagues quickly paid tribute to him.
“This is incredibly sad. John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John,” Adam Schefter wrote on X.
This is incredibly sad. John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025
“Incredibly sad. Sports Science was such a fun twist on the way we saw sports,” Field Yates said.
“Thinking of John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Incredibly sad. Sports Science was such a fun twist on the way we saw sports.
Thinking of John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time 🙏 https://t.co/em4uBVEobd
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 2, 2025
ESPN also paid tribute to their former star on SportsCenter.
John Brenkus, the co-creator and host of ESPN’s Sports Science, has died at the age of 54, Brinx TV announced in a statement Sunday. pic.twitter.com/n0OSXYKDUZ
— ESPN (@espn) June 2, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenkus’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
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