John Feinstein, legendary sportswriter and author of A Season on the Brink, dies at 69.
John Feinstein, one of the most respected sports journalists of his generation, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday at the age of 69. The news of his demise came through his brother Robert Feinstein, who said John died of natural causes at Robert’s home.
The sudden news has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and tributes have poured in from around the world for the legendary writer. Feinstein’s influence as a sports journalist was immense. It was evident from the success of his book ‘A Season on the Brink’ (1986).
John Feinstein made a name for himself in the sports world over a decades-long career. Before becoming a contributing columnist at The Washington Post, he spent 14 years (1977–1991) as a full-time reporter for the publication.
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Later, he became a frequent commentator on major platforms, including ESPN’s The Sports Reporters, the Golf Channel, and SiriusXM radio. His most influential work, A Season on the Brink, revolutionized sports writing by offering an unprecedented inside look at Bob Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.
It offers an unfiltered look at Knight’s intensity and relationships with his players. Reportedly, after the publication of the book, the legendary coach initially distanced himself from Feinstein. However, they later reconciled.
His literary work extended far beyond college basketball, covering a wide range of sports. Notable examples include A Good Walk Spoiled (1995), which delved into professional golf, and A Civil War (1996), which explored the Army-Navy football rivalry. More recently, he turned his focus to Ivy League football with The Ancient Eight.
Feinstein’s last column was published Thursday in The Washington Post. The column focused on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. Feinstein never shied away from controversial topics and bold opinions. Izzo remarked about Feinstein, “He was strong with his opinions, but very interesting to talk to.”
Feinstein was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2012. He didn’t only have the extraordinary ability to capture the essence of sports, but he also cared for everyone and everything he wrote about, as told by the Marquette coach Shaka Smart.
The coach said he read Feinstein’s work in high school. Smart said, “He cared about the teams, the players, and the coaches—which is not as common these days.” The respected journalist is survived by his wife, Christine, son Danny, daughters Brigid and Jayne, and his siblings Robert and Margaret.
Feinstein passed away of natural causes at his brother Robert’s home in McLean, Virginia. Robert Feinstein, who discovered his brother’s body, stated that a heart attack may have been the cause.
