John Brenkus, the creative genius behind ESPN’s ground-breaking hit show “Sport Science” has died. He passed away unexpectedly on May 31, in his 54th year. His death is an immeasurable loss to the world of sports, entertainment and education. Brenkus went on to establish Brinx TV, a narrative-focused production company that had a big hand in developing the “Sport Science” concept. The production premiered in the early 2010s and subsequently won six Emmy awards.
Brenkus’ claim to fame was his rare talent to distill the sports science fundamentals that are the building blocks of elite athleticism. Through his work, he not only entertained audiences, but educated them about the complex nature of sports science. The show effectively bridged the gap between entertainment and education, captivating viewers with its innovative approach to analyzing sports.
After selling “Sport Science” to ESPN, Brenkus endured a series of personal crises that forced him into his own “deep, deep depression.” He spoke openly about his struggles with mental health during a 2023 interview with Marcellus Wiley and shared insights on his X account. Brenkus stressed the importance of addressing mental health issues, emphasizing that “mental health, suicide, it’s a real thing, and I counted myself out.”
After selling his show and rereading “The Bell Jar” while living in Park City, Utah, Brenkus was inspired to double down on the push for mental health awareness. He said he wanted to provide hope for others who are facing the same challenges.
“The hope that I can give to people is listen, there is hope. There are hotlines. There are friends. There are family. There are other people. Talk about it.” – John Brenkus
His advocacy work inspired many, and he urged those experiencing mental health crises to reach out and get the help and support they needed. In a statement following his death, Brinx TV remarked, “John lost his fight with this terrible illness,” highlighting the struggle that many face regarding mental health.
ESPN paid tribute to Brenkus, recognizing him as “an innovator, an entertainer and an educator.” His innovations in the world of sports media will be missed, but cherished by his many colleagues and buyers who were our dedicated fans.
