Sports columnist, author John Feinstein dies at age 69 in 2025.
Table of Contents Sports.
iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image3turn0image6John Feinstein, a distinguished sports writer and bestselling author, passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 69. He died of natural causes at his brother’s home in McLean, Virginia. citeturn0search1.
iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image3turn0image6John Feinstein, a distinguished sports writer and bestselling author, passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 69. He died of natural causes at his brother’s home in McLean, Virginia. citeturn0search1
Early Life and Education Sports.Sports columnist
Born in 1955, Feinstein developed a passion for sports journalism at an early age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a degree from Duke University. His time at Duke not only honed his writing skills but also deepened his understanding of collegiate sports, which later became a focal point of his career.
Career at The Washington Post Sports. Sports columnist
Feinstein’s professional journey began with The Washington Post in 1977, where he served as a reporter and columnist until 1991. His tenure at the Post was marked by insightful coverage of various sports, with a particular emphasis on college basketball. His reporting was characterized by its depth and narrative style, earning him respect within the sports journalism community.
Authorial Achievements Sports. Sports columnist
Transitioning from journalism to authorship, Feinstein penned numerous books that resonated with both sports enthusiasts and general readers. His most notable work, “A Season on the Brink,” provided an in-depth look at the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball team under coach Bob Knight. The book’s candid portrayal of Knight’s coaching methods captivated audiences and solidified Feinstein’s reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Throughout his career, Feinstein authored 23 New York Times bestsellers. His literary contributions spanned various sports, including golf, tennis, and college football. Notably, “A Good Walk Spoiled” offered readers an insider’s perspective on the professional golf circuit, while “A Civil War” delved into the intense rivalry between the Army and Navy football teams.
Broadcasting and Teaching Sports columnist
Beyond writing, Feinstein expanded his influence through broadcasting and teaching. He contributed to various media outlets, including ESPN, the Golf Channel, and SiriusXM, sharing his expertise and passion for sports. In November 2024, Feinstein joined Longwood University in Virginia as a writer-in-residence and adjunct professor, where he mentored students and taught courses on sports writing. citeturn0search3
Legacy and Impact Sports columnist
Feinstein’s impact on sports journalism is profound. His commitment to storytelling, characterized by thorough research and engaging narratives, set a high standard for sports writing. He was known for his deep connections within the sports world, which allowed him to provide readers with unique insights into the lives of athletes and coaches.
His work earned him numerous accolades, including induction into several sports halls of fame, such as The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and The National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. citeturn0news9 These honors reflect the respect he garnered throughout his career.
The sports community mourns the loss of a writer who not only chronicled sports but also enriched the understanding of its cultural significance. Feinstein’s legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and inform readers and writers alike.
navlistRemembering John Feinstein: A Legacy in Sports Journalismturn0news8,turn0news9
Early Life and Education Sports.
Born in 1955, Feinstein developed a passion for sports journalism at an early age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a degree from Duke University. His time at Duke not only honed his writing skills but also deepened his understanding of collegiate sports, which later became a focal point of his career.
Career at The Washington Post Sports.
Feinstein’s professional journey began with The Washington Post in 1977, where he served as a reporter and columnist until 1991. His tenure at the Post was marked by insightful coverage of various sports, with a particular emphasis on college basketball. His reporting was characterized by its depth and narrative style, earning him respect within the sports journalism community.
Authorial Achievements Sports.
Transitioning from journalism to authorship, Feinstein penned numerous books that resonated with both sports enthusiasts and general readers. His most notable work, “A Season on the Brink,” provided an in-depth look at the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball team under coach Bob Knight. The book’s candid portrayal of Knight’s coaching methods captivated audiences and solidified Feinstein’s reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Throughout his career, Feinstein authored 23 New York Times bestsellers. His literary contributions spanned various sports, including golf, tennis, and college football. Notably, “A Good Walk Spoiled” offered readers an insider’s perspective on the professional golf circuit, while “A Civil War” delved into the intense rivalry between the Army and Navy football teams.
Broadcasting and Teaching Sports.
Beyond writing, Feinstein expanded his influence through broadcasting and teaching. He contributed to various media outlets, including ESPN, the Golf Channel, and SiriusXM, sharing his expertise and passion for sports. In November 2024, Feinstein joined Longwood University in Virginia as a writer-in-residence and adjunct professor, where he mentored students and taught courses on sports writing. citeturn0search3
Legacy and Impact Sports. Sports columnist
Feinstein’s impact on sports journalism is profound. His commitment to storytelling, characterized by thorough research and engaging narratives, set a high standard for sports writing. He was known for his deep connections within the sports world, which allowed him to provide readers with unique insights into the lives of athletes and coaches.
His work earned him numerous accolades, including induction into several sports halls of fame, such as The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and The National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. citeturn0news9 These honors reflect the respect he garnered throughout his career.
The sports community mourns the loss of a writer who not only chronicled sports but also enriched the understanding of its cultural significance. Feinstein’s legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and inform readers and writers alike.
navlistRemembering John Feinstein: A Legacy in Sports Journalismturn0news8,turn0news9