Sportswriter and Book Author John Feinstein Found Dead — Details

John Feinstein, one of the nation’s most respected sportswriters and a bestselling author, died unexpectedly on Thursday at the age of 69. His brother, Robert Feinstein, confirmed the death and stated his demise may be as a result of a heart attack. John passed away at his brother’s home in McLean, Virginia.

John’s career spanned decades, beginning at The Washington Post in 1977. Initially a night police reporter, he quickly shifted to sports, where he built a reputation for deeply sourced and compelling narratives. He worked full-time at The Post until 1991 but continued as a contributing columnist while expanding his career across various media outlets.

Over the years, he authored more than 40 books, covering a range of sports and personalities with insight and depth. Beyond writing, John’s influence extended to radio and television.

contributed to NPR, ESPN, and the Golf Channel, and he hosted shows on SiriusXM. His storytelling and commentary made him a familiar voice to sports fans across the country.

John remained deeply committed to his work until the very end. This week, he was in Washington covering the Atlantic 10 Tournament, fully immersed in the game he spent decades writing about. Just a day before his death, he filed what would become his final column for The Washington Post, focusing on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.

Published on Thursday, March 13, the piece examined Izzo’s relentless dedication to coaching, even at 70, with no indication of stepping away from the game. In many ways, it reflected John’s own career—driven by passion, curiosity, and an unwavering love for sports.

“He was very passionate about things,” his brother Robert said. “People either loved him or hated him — and equally strongly.”

John’s influence on sports journalism was undeniable. His ability to connect with athletes and coaches, gaining access to their inner circles, set him apart. Even in recent years, his passion never wavered. According to The Washington Post, he had already written four analytical pieces this year, adding to a long career of insightful reporting.

Born in New York, John graduated from Duke University in 1977. He went on to write 48 books, 23 of which became New York Times bestsellers. His first and most famous, “A Season on the Brink,” offered an unprecedented look into the volatile world of Indiana University coach Bob Knight.

John had long envisioned writing a book but needed the right subject. He once asked legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith about profiling him, but Smith wasn’t ready. The idea lingered until John developed a relationship with Knight, who invited him to a private dinner at the Final Four.

That moment, John later recalled, felt like a door opening. He proposed the book idea, and Knight agreed. That decision led to a groundbreaking piece of sports literature. John followed Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers through the 1985-86 season, capturing the coach’s fiery personality and complex leadership style.

When “A Season on the Brink” was published, it soared to No. 1 on The New York Times Best-Seller list, setting a record for the highest-selling sports book at the time. John’s success extended far beyond his first book. His second No. 1 New York Times bestseller, “A Good Walk Spoiled,” took readers inside the high-pressure world of professional golf.

Following stars like Greg Norman and Tom Watson during the 1993-94 PGA Tour, the book provided an intimate look at the mental and emotional toll of competing at the highest level.

While best known for his sports journalism, John also found success in fiction. Fifteen of his books were teen mysteries, beginning with “Last Shot,” which won the Edgar Allan Poe Award and reached No. 3 on the New York Times Best Seller List.

His expertise made him a sought-after speaker, with engagements for companies like MasterCard, BMW, and the USGA, as well as universities and sports organizations.

John’s contributions to sports journalism earned him widespread recognition. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the National Sportswriters, and many more.

Beyond writing, he dedicated himself to philanthropy. He co-founded The Bruce Edwards Foundation with Tom Watson, raising over $5 million for ALS research. The foundation was inspired by “Caddy for Life,” his book about Watson’s longtime friend Caddy Bruce Edwards and his battle with ALS. The story even caught the attention of Matt Damon’s production company.

Beyond writing, John was also a devoted sports fan. He followed the Mets, Jets, and Islanders but distanced himself from the Knicks after Pat Riley took over as coach.

His achievements extended beyond sports. In a unique honor, John was named an Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay, a title given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Maryland. In the wake of John’s death, tributes poured in from friends and colleagues, many expressing shock and grief on social media.

“I kept hoping this wasn’t true,” one close friend wrote on X, recalling how John was supposed to stay with him before attending a Coaches vs. Cancer event. Another tribute on Facebook described him as a “best-selling author and award-winning columnist” whose work left a lasting mark on sports journalism.

John’s relentless drive defined his career, but it also took a toll on his health. His former agent, Esther Newberg, recalled how his commitment to reporting often pushed him beyond his limits.

“He had gout and diabetes,” she said. “He hated to fly and would drive to places like the Final Four from D.C. if it were in Indianapolis, which didn’t help his bad eating habits.”

John is survived by his wife, Christine (Bausch) Feinstein, and their daughter, Jane. He also leaves behind a son, Danny, and a daughter, Brigid, from his previous marriage to Mary Givens. Besides his brother, Robert, he is also survived by his sister, Margaret.