John Brenkus of ‘Sport Science’ Announces Groundbreaking New Show Redefining Athletic Performance

Former “Sports Science” Host John Brenkus Dies at 54 After Private Battle With Depression Key Points • John Brenkus, six-time Emmy-winning creator and host of “Sports Science,” died on May 31, 2025, at age 54. • A family statement confirmed he had struggled with clinical depression for years. • Tributes poured in from athletes, broadcasters and mental-health advocates who credit Brenkus for demystifying elite athletic performance and openly discussing mental wellness. Who Was John Brenkus? Best known for blending physics and pro sports, Brenkus turned ESPN’s “Sports Science” into appointment viewing from 2007-2017. The show won six Sports Emmys for segments that used motion-capture, force plates and high-speed cameras to explain how stars such as Drew Brees generated record-breaking accuracy or how Serena Williams produced unrivaled serve speed. Beyond TV, Brenkus co-founded BASE Productions, launched the digital platform Brinx.TV and authored the book “The Perfection Point.” Timeline of His Final Years • 2020-2022 – Expanded Brinx.TV and consulted for pro franchises on athlete data analytics. • Jan 2023 – Revealed a prior suicide attempt during a Brinx.TV interview, urging viewers to seek help early. • 2024 – Served as analyst for NFL Combine coverage and produced the inaugural “Brinx Cup” award in F1H2O powerboat racing. • May 31, 2025 – Passed away, according to a statement released June 1. Industry Reaction • Former NFL defensive end and business partner Marcellus Wiley: “He turned STEM into prime-time entertainment and saved lives with his honesty.” • ESPN host Scott Van Pelt: “No one made science this cool. Every late-night highlight show owes him a segment.” • USA Swimming biomechanist Russell Mark: “John mainstreamed the tech we use in Olympic training.” Legacy in Sports Science 1. Popularized biomechanical storytelling that leagues now replicate in augmented-reality replays. 2. Inspired student-athletes to pursue kinesiology and engineering degrees. 3. Accelerated adoption of wearable tracking devices across MLB, NBA and Formula 1. Mental-Health Advocacy Brenkus frequently cited the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and pushed for mandatory mental-wellness screenings in youth sports. His family has asked fans to honor him by donating to organizations such as Project Semicolon and the Jed Foundation. SEO Keywords John Brenkus death, Sports Science host dies, John Brenkus depression, ESPN Sports Science creator, John Brenkus legacy, mental health in sports. Call to Action If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the United States or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 confidential support.