John Brenkus wasn’t just a TV host—he was a trailblazer who made science not only relevant but riveting in the world of sports. He transformed the mechanics behind jaw-dropping athletic feats into stories that captivated millions. Whether he was explaining G-forces, torque, or reaction times, Brenkus brought a contagious energy that made even the most complex physics feel accessible and exciting. For fans of Sport Science, he wasn’t just the host—he was the show. That’s why the news of his passing on May 31, 2025, at just 54 years old, hit so hard.

His family confirmed the news on his official social media accounts with a brief but heartfelt message. John had been fighting depression for years. There was no accident, no secret illness—just a painful reminder that mental health struggles often stay hidden. They wrote:

“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of BASE Productions, founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six‑time Emmy Award‑winning Sport Science, had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025. His family and friends ask for privacy and encourage anyone struggling with depression to seek help.”

That message shifted how many of us see the man behind the show. John was open about his struggles. In a 2023 interview with Marcellus Wiley on Never Shut Up, he spoke honestly about his lowest point after selling Sport Science to ESPN. He said he felt “mentally lost” and on the edge of giving up. The story that stands out is how his dog nudged him one night during a dark moment, pushing him to call his mom—an act that quite literally saved his life.

“I was in treatment for a long time,” John shared. “If my story helps even one person get help, it’s worth sharing.”

Even while wrestling with depression, John never stopped creating. He launched Brinx.TV, kept producing new content, and found ways to keep moving forward—showing real resilience when things were toughest.

Depression isn’t visible on the surface. It doesn’t wear a jersey or flash on camera. It can hide behind a smile or a highlight reel. John’s passing reminds us that success and energy don’t shield anyone from these battles.

Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from athletes, broadcasters, and fans. Many recall his passion and the way he made sports science accessible. Others share their own mental health journeys. Together, they honor the legacy John leaves—not just in sports media, but in how we talk about pain, perseverance, and healing.

John changed how we understand sports. More importantly, he worked to change how we understand each other.

John Brenkus, The Man Who Made Sports Science Come Alive

John Brenkus had a rare talent for making science feel like part of the game’s drama. When Sport Science premiered on Fox Sports Net in 2007, many doubted it could connect. But John flipped the script. Instead of throwing stats at viewers, he brought the physics, biology, and math behind incredible athletic moves to life with stories and energy you could relate to.

Over 1,800 segments later, John had created a show that blended deep science with excitement. It wasn’t just a hit—it won six Emmys. Every year, Sport Science reached about 80 million viewers, from die-hard sports fans to curious students. Suddenly, complicated concepts weren’t intimidating—they were part of what made athletes extraordinary.

John didn’t stop with Sport Science. He co-founded BASE Productions and later launched Brinx.TV, continuing to tell stories that combined data with passion. On shows like The GOAT Code, he dissected what makes great athletes tick—always with that same spark that made it fun to watch.

His work sparked curiosity and inspired countless fans and future scientists. He showed us that even the toughest battles deserve to be fought. Though John is gone, his influence lives on—in every slow-motion replay, every data-driven insight, and every conversation about mental health he helped start. John changed the game, and he changed how we understand one another. That impact won’t fade.