John Brenkus, ‘Sports Science’ host and co-creator, dies at 54

Brenkus opened up about his depression and suicide attempt to Marcellus Wiley, ESPN colleague and former NFL player, in Janu 2023. He said that when he was living in Park City, Utah, after selling his company and “Sport Science,” he felt isolated and spiraled into a “deep, deep depression.”

“I was flat out suicidal,” Brenkus said. “So much so, I had a noose tied around my neck. I was ready to do it.”

Brenkus credits his dog, Zepplin, with rescuing him by tugging on his jeans and pulling him out of his “suicidal funk.” The sports host then explained seeing multiple different psychologists and psychiatrists trying to receive help, until one doctor in Virginia helped him find the “right path.”

“I have never been depressed since, a day in my life, from that moment forward,” Brenkus said at the time.

Wiley reposted the announcement of Brenkus’s death, writing “RIP” with praying and heart emojis.

Brenkus’s “Sport Science” series aims to uncover “sports’ biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity,” as ESPN describes. The series won six Emmy awards, first airing on FOX Sports in 2007 before moving to ESPN.

In a tribute on ESPN, Brenkus was described as “an innovator, an entertainer and an educator” who will be missed by many.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.