John Brenkus, the visionary host and creator of ESPN’s Sports Science, left a huge impact on the world of sports media before his untimely passing at the age of 54.
John was renowned for his innovative approach to combining science with sports performance.
His path to success was greatly shaped by his parents, John David Brenkus I and Rosemarie Czoch Brenkus.
The strong support, clear values, and inspiring lives of those around him helped shape John into the trailblazer he became.
Embed from Getty ImagesJohn D. Brenkus II was born on May 31, 1971, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Vienna, Virginia.
In this tight-knit community, his parents, John David and Rosemarie, raised him and his sister, Mary Brenkus Stern, with love and encouragement.
The Brenkus household was one of warmth, discipline, and ambition, encouraging an environment where John’s creativity and drive could flourish.
John’s curiosity and passion for storytelling were evident from a young age.
Whether he was producing short films, music videos, or dreaming up new ideas, his parents were his biggest cheerleaders.
They established in him the confidence to pursue his dreams, which would later lead him to create groundbreaking shows like Sports Science on ESPN and Fox Sports Net, and eventually co-found Brinx TV.
John’s Father, John David Brenkus, Was A Man Of Discipline And Dedication
Born in 1942, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963, a period that shaped his sense of duty and strength.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, John David later earned a degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University, where he also served on the Alumni Admissions Committee for several years.
His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; in 1971, he earned a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from American University.
For 20 years, he worked with the U.S. Government, focusing on information systems procurements and acquisitions for agencies such as the Department of the Treasury, the General Accounting Office, and the General Services Administration.
His expertise in technology and systems laid a foundation of analytical thinking that his son, John, would later channel into Sports Science’s data-driven approach to sports analysis.
Later, John David moved into the telecommunications industry, spending a decade securing land for telecommunications towers.
It was during one of these searches that he stumbled upon a property in Haymarket, Virginia, where he and his family built their forever home.
This serene setting became a haven for the Brenkus family, reflecting John David’s love for nature and the outdoors.
After retiring from telecommunications, John David found a new calling as a real estate agent with Weichert Realty.
His warm personality and genuine care for others made him a natural in this role, where he helped countless families find their dream homes. Beyond his professional life, John David was deeply committed to his community.
He served on the Town of Vienna Planning Commission from 1973 to 1992, including a term as Chairman from 1980 to 1981.
He also dedicated time to the Prince William County Board of Zoning Appeals and the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary, reflecting his commitment to civic duty.
A lover of the outdoors, John David found joy in gardening, landscaping, and caring for wild birds and deer.
His dogs were his constant companions, and his woodworking projects added a touch of craftsmanship to the family home.
His passion for nature and community left a lasting impression on his son, who carried forward a sense of curiosity and connection to others in his work.
Unfortunately, John David passed away in 2018 at the age of 76, surrounded by his family in their Haymarket home.
His legacy of service, hard work, and love for family continues to resonate with those who knew him, including his son, John, who drew inspiration from his father’s steadfast support and diverse achievements.
John’s Mother, Rosemarie Czoch Brenkus, Is The Heart Of The Family
Rosemarie, or Rose for short, was the emotional support of the Brenkus family.
While little is known about her early life beyond her roots in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, her role as a devoted mother and supporter of her children’s dreams was profound.
Rose’s nurturing presence provided John and his sister, Mary, with the confidence to chase their ambitions.
Rose was the quiet strength behind the family, always there to encourage John’s creative pursuits.
Whether he was experimenting with short films in his youth or pitching bold ideas to networks like ESPN, Rose’s belief in her son never wavered.
Her support extended to John’s sister, Mary Brenkus Stern, who pursued degrees in Communications at James Madison University and Training and Development at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Rose’s ability to foster a sense of possibility in her children helped them both carve out successful paths.
Even after the loss of her husband, John David, in 2018, Rose remained a pillar of strength for her family.
She continues to be a source of love and inspiration for John’s surviving family members, including his wife, Lizzie, and their children, Bryce and Arabella.
John Brenkus’ parents didn’t just raise him, they shaped his worldview.
John David’s work ethic and Rose’s support helped John turn his passion for storytelling into a successful career in sports media, evolving from a kid with a camera in Vienna, Virginia.
John’s extraordinary career in Sports Science transformed fan understanding of athletic performance, driven by his humility and passion, likely influenced by his parents.
Tragically, John Brenkus passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
John’s struggle with depression was a serious and ongoing illness. His tragic death shocked his family, friends, and the sports community.
John’s death was a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to support those struggling in silence.
John is survived by his mother, Rose; his sister, Mary Brenkus Stern; his wife, Lizzie; and their two beloved children, Bryce and Arabella.
His passing left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his contributions to sports media and his infectious enthusiasm for life will live on.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- John attended James Madison High School, where he participated in numerous sports.
- In 2010, Brenkus wrote the New York Times bestselling book The Perfection Point.
