John Brenkus, arguably the leading innovator behind the Emmy award-winning television program “Sport Science,” has died. He passed away on May 31, at the age of 54. Brenkus recently launched the production company Brinx TV. His journey earned him the love of sports fans and provided a platform for him to become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.
Brenkus became a household name as the host of “Sport Science” on ESPN. PEAK, our most recent groundbreaking program that first aired during the 2010s, received six Emmy Awards for its in-depth examination of the scientific principles that drive athletic performance. Through entertaining demonstrations and expert interviews, he brought a unique perspective to sports, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.
After selling the creation of “Sport Science” to ESPN, Brenkus’ world fell apart in deeply personal, tragic ways. Soon after, it is reported that he fell into a “deep, deep depression.” He went on to call that experience a burden and a catalyst for change. Living in Park City, Utah, he used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing that help is available for those struggling with similar issues.
In an emotional appearance on the Marcellus Wiley podcast in 2023, Brenkus opened up about his struggle with depression. He stated, “Mental health, suicide, it’s a real thing, and I counted myself out.” Despite the challenges he faced, he considered his journey through mental health struggles to be “my greatest blessing and greatest victory.”
Brenkus wanted to spread a message of hope to others going through similar mental health crises. He encouraged open dialogue about these issues, affirming, “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.”
Following his passing, Brinx TV released a heartfelt statement, saying, “John lost his fight with this terrible illness.” ESPN commemorated his contributions to sports media by describing him as “an innovator, an entertainer and an educator.”
Whether in the sports industry or as a mental health advocate, Brenkus’s legacy will shape the future. His commitment to examining the science of sports and his openness about his personal struggles have left an indelible mark on audiences and fellow creators alike.
