Renowned Sports Writer John Feinstein Passes Away at 69

John Feinstein, a prominent sports journalist and author admired for his bestselling literary works, died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 69. His brother, Robert Feinstein, discovered John's body at his home in McLean, Virginia, where it was determined that he passed away due to natural causes.

Beginning his prominent career at The Washington Post, Feinstein functioned as a dedicated, full-time reporter from 1977 until 1991 before transitioning into a contributing columnist role. Additionally, he shared his expertise and passion for sports through commentary roles with respected media outlets such as NPR, ESPN, the Golf Channel, and satellite radio on SiriusXM.

According to his brother Robert, Feinstein was known for his passionate nature, making him a figure who elicited strong reactions—he was either beloved or intensely criticized by those who encountered his work. Right up until his death, Feinstein continued writing and engaging with the sports world. This very week, he was actively covering collegiate sports, authoring a column just a day before his passing on Michigan State's basketball coach Tom Izzo during the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

While Feinstein adeptly wrote about many sports, it was college basketball—especially through his groundbreaking work "A Season on the Brink"—that cemented his legacy. In 1985, he stepped away momentarily from his position at the Post to embed himself fully within coach Bob Knight's Indiana basketball team. The resulting book masterfully captured the intensity and dramatic complexity of Knight, known for his explosive temper, while also highlighting the complicated yet profound relationships the legendary coach maintained with his players.

His successful literary career continued for decades, producing more than 40 books that explored various sports narratives. Notable among these were “A Good Walk Spoiled,” a vivid exploration of professional golf, and “A Civil War,” which examined the storied rivalry between Army's and Navy's football teams. He further cemented his association with Navy football by providing commentary on radio broadcasts for many years. Feinstein's latest publication, titled “The Ancient Eight,” delved into Ivy League football, and he also penned sports-themed novels tailored toward younger audiences.

His survivors include wife Christine, son Danny, daughters Brigid and Jayne, his brother Robert, and his sister Margaret.