John Brenkus, who helped create and hosted the former hit show "Sport Science," died at 54 years old Saturday, according to a post to his Facebook account.
Brenkus was a producer and director who also was the co-founder of BASE productions and founder of Brinx.TV, specializing in creating reality television.
"Sport Science" was a popular show that originally began with Fox Sports Net, then ESPN, which explored the science and math behind athletic feats, players and highlights.
Here's what to know about Brenkus' death.
'Sport Science' co-founder John Brenkus dies at 54
A post to Brenkus' social media accounts on Sunday night said that the longtime producer and host died on Saturday.
The post also described how Brenkus had "been battling depression" and "lost his fight with this terrible illness," telling anybody struggling with depression to seek help.
Brenkus had been open about his mental health struggles in the past, previously telling Marcellus Wiley, who he had partnered with at Brinx.TV, in January 2023 that he tried to attempt suicide before his dog saved him.
— John Brenkus (@johnbrenkus_) June 2, 2025
"Sport Science" began being released in 2007, originally airing on FSN, but its third season was picked up by ESPN. Brenkus would host the show and also sometimes get involved in the athletic tests.
"Sport Science" wound up winning multiple Emmy awards, including for "Outstanding Graphic Design" in 2008 and "Outstanding New Approaches in Sports Programming" in 2009.
Reactions to John Brenkus' death
After the news of Brenkus' death, many people in the sports world honored him and his legacy with the iconic "Sport Science" show.
RIP @johnbrenkus_
— Marcellus Wiley (@marcelluswiley) June 2, 2025
🙏🏿❤️ pic.twitter.com/NprlQ9bvQy
Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family 🙏🏾
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 2, 2025
The man who gave us the Emmy Winning Sports Science lost his battle with depression at the age of 53. pic.twitter.com/QSxjh0U4ub
Was lucky enough to do a Sport Science with John a while back. A great man. Please seek help if you are struggling. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! RIP John 🙏🏽 https://t.co/qYYmm7tIpg
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) June 2, 2025
I'm so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus. I did an episode of Sport Science back in the day and we remained friends. The ultimate professional, he was kind, encouraging, smart and inventive. This is awful. RIP John Brenkus https://t.co/nP9Of8z47K pic.twitter.com/XSNCp3UHWU
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) June 2, 2025
John Brenkus was a staple on so many of our childhoods.
— Sons of Saturday Podcast (@SonsofSatVT) June 2, 2025
Horrible news. https://t.co/jglUp5nn9g pic.twitter.com/VC9XdYC1KL