John Brenkus, Beloved 'Sport Science' Host, Passes Away at 53
ICARO Media Group
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John Brenkus, the energetic TV personality renowned for merging sports with science, has died, according to his production company, Brinx.TV. In a statement released on Sunday, the company confirmed that Brenkus had succumbed to depression on May 31, 2025. The statement revealed that Brenkus had been grappling with the debilitating illness, and his family and friends are devastated by the loss. They have requested privacy during this difficult period and urged anyone struggling with depression to seek assistance.
Brenkus, who hailed from Vienna, Virginia, made a significant mark in the world of sports media. He co-founded Base Productions and founded Brinx.TV. His most notable contribution, however, was as the co-creator and host of 'Sport Science,' a show that earned six Emmy Awards. The program, which ran from 2007 to 2017, initially aired as hour-long episodes on Fox Sports before transitioning to segment form on ESPN. It captivated audiences by conducting scientific experiments to explore the limits of athletic performance and the human body.
Many sports stars participated in 'Sport Science,' but Brenkus himself often took center stage in these experiments. Despite his average build—5' 8" tall and weighing 160 pounds—Brenkus became an 'Everyman' figure on the show, demonstrating how an ordinary person fares in the realm of elite athletes. Through these demonstrations, he aimed to help viewers better understand their own bodies and improve their health and performance.
Randy Scott of ESPN paid tribute to Brenkus on Monday's edition of 'SportsCenter,' remembering him as uniquely talented and incredibly effective in blending sports and science. Scott praised Brenkus for his memorable contributions, stating that his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an engaging manner left a lasting impact on multiple generations of sports fans. "This world was a better place with John Brenkus in it," Scott concluded.