John Feinstein, a prominent sports columnist and bestselling author, has passed away at the age of 69. His deep insights into college basketball, golf, and other major sports left a significant mark on the industry. He died of natural causes at his brother Robert’s home in McLean, Virginia.
A Career Defined by Storytelling
Feinstein started his career in 1977 as a night police reporter. But soon, his passion for sports led him to cover major events. While he became best known for his coverage of college basketball, his work spanned many sports, including golf, college football, and the Olympics. He also contributed regularly to radio programs and various sports publications.
Feinstein’s ability to capture the essence of sports and its key figures made him stand out. Just hours before his death, a column about Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo was published, demonstrating his commitment to journalism.
A Legacy of Bestseller Books
Feinstein wrote 48 books, 23 of which made it to The New York Times bestseller list. His first book, “A Season on the Brink,” about the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball season under Bob Knight, became a massive hit. It spent 17 weeks at the top of the bestseller list and was later adapted into a TV film.
Feinstein’s writing went beyond basketball. “A Good Walk Spoiled,” a deep dive into professional golf, also became a bestseller. “A Civil War” focused on the Army-Navy football rivalry and earned critical acclaim. He also wrote over a dozen teen mystery novels, reaching younger audiences.
His most recent work, “The Ancient Eight,” about Ivy League football, was released last year. Even after decades in the industry, Feinstein remained committed to telling engaging sports stories.
A Respected Yet Polarizing Figure
Feinstein was known for his strong opinions. His brother Robert said, “People had strong feelings about him. They either admired him or disagreed with him, but there was no in-between.”
His impact on sports journalism was undeniable. Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams reflected, saying, “I read ‘A Season on the Brink’ in high school. His writing was extraordinary. There aren’t many who could write the way he did.”
Coach Mike Krzyzewski from Duke shared, “John was brilliant. He was one of the best writers in sports. We were good friends, but he could be polarizing. He handled it well.”
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Feinstein received many accolades. In 2013, the Basketball Hall of Fame honored him with the Curt Gowdy Media Award. He is also enshrined in the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. These awards reflect his contributions to the world of sports journalism.
Feinstein’s ability to provide deep analysis while making the stories engaging set him apart. His columns, books, and radio appearances earned him a place as one of the top sportswriters of his time.
Remembering John Feinstein
Feinstein is survived by his wife Christine, son Danny, daughters Brigid and Jane, his brother Robert, and his sister Margaret. His passing marks the loss of one of the greats in sports journalism. However, his work continues to inspire readers and writers today.
Feinstein brought the world of sports to life. His detailed and engaging writing captured the drama and emotion of the games. Even though he’s no longer with us, his legacy will live on through his books and stories, ensuring his voice is not forgotten.