TV personality John Brenkus, best known for his role as the host of the TV show “Sport Science,” has died at the age of 54.
News of his passing was announced in a statement to Brenkus’ social media channels Sunday night. An exact cause of death was not revealed. Instead, the statement mentioned only that Brenkus has been battling depression and “lost his fight with this terrible illness” on May 31.
“Sports Science” was an Emmy award-winning program that first aired on Fox Sports before moving to ESPN. The series focused on highlighting specific areas of sports and breaking them down for the viewer. This ranged from comparing a hit from an NFL defender to a car crash to depicting how competitive eater Joey Chestnut could possibly eat over 70 hot dogs.
The series aired for three seasons from 2007-2009, though Brenkus continued to produce segments for ESPN programming after the show’s completion.
ESPN aired a small tribute to Brenkus after the announcement of his death, calling him “an innovator, an entertainer and an educator.”
Here is the full statement posted to Brenkus’ social media accounts:
“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 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.”
