The Illustrious Career of John Feinstein: A Legendary Sportswriter
John Feinstein, a renowned sportswriter for The Washington Post and the author of over 40 books, passed away on Thursday at the age of 69 at his brother’s home in McLean, Virginia. His brother, Robert, revealed that the likely cause of death was a heart attack. Feinstein’s final column, which appeared in The Post on the same day as his passing, was a tribute to Tom Izzo, the celebrated men’s basketball coach at Michigan State. This fitting farewell underscored Feinstein’s dedication to his craft, as he continued to write about the sport he loved until the very end.
Feinstein’s rise to prominence began with his groundbreaking book A Season on the Brink (1986), which chronicled the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball team under the fiery leadership of Coach Bobby Knight. The book became a bestseller and established Feinstein as one of America’s most respected sports journalists. What set A Season on the Brink apart was its unprecedented access to Knight, a brilliant tactician with a notoriously volatile personality. Feinstein’s ability to capture the coach’s complexities—both on and off the court—offered readers a level of insight rare in sports writing.
Despite Knight’s initial displeasure with the book, which included his frequent use of profanity, Feinstein later credited the coach with catapulting his career. In a column for The Post, Feinstein wrote that Knight’s openness during the writing process was instrumental in making A Season on the Brink a success. “Not once did Knight back away from the access,” Feinstein noted, “even during some difficult moments for his team.” The book’s success led to a television movie adaptation in 2002, starring Brian Dennehy as the iconic coach. Feinstein’s ability to tell compelling stories about the people behind the games became a hallmark of his career.
Breaking Barriers in Sports Journalism
Feinstein’s body of work spanned multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, tennis, football, golf, and the Olympics. His writing was characterized by its depth and nuance, offering readers more than just play-by-play analysis. For instance, his book A Good Walk Spoiled (1995) delved into the lives of PGA Tour golfers, revealing the personalities and pressures that defined the sport. Feinstein’s ability to humanize athletes and coaches set him apart from his peers and earned him a loyal following.
In addition to his nonfiction works, Feinstein also wrote novels for young readers, including Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, which won the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Book in 2006. His versatility as a writer was matched by his presence in other media. Feinstein contributed to NPR, ESPN, and the Golf Channel, sharing his insights with audiences beyond the written word.
Feinstein’s Literary Versatility
Feinstein’s most recent works included Five Banners: Inside the Duke Dynasty and The Ancient Eight: College Football’s Ivy League and the Game They Play Today, both published in the year before his death. The former, a deep dive into Duke University’s basketball program, reflected Feinstein’s deep connection to his alma mater, from which he graduated in 1977. His ability to balance the storytelling of sports with the intricacies of human emotion made his books resonate with readers of all ages.
Feinstein’s writing was not confined to sports alone. He explored themes of perseverance, triumph, and failure, making his work relatable to anyone who has ever dared to chase a dream. His passion for storytelling was evident in every word he wrote, whether he was profiling a legendary coach or unraveling the mysteries of a thrilling basketball tournament.
A Lifetime of Passion and Work Ethic
Feinstein’s work ethic was legendary, even from a young age. His brother, Robert, affectionately described him as a “cuckoo head,” recounting how he would watch Mets games and meticulously keep box scores for every game he watched—a habit he maintained throughout his life. This dedication to detail and love for sports laid the foundation for his incredible career. Feinstein’s ability to work at an astonishing pace, churning out books and articles with remarkable speed, was a testament to his boundless energy and passion for his craft.
His family often marveled at his drive, which never wavered even as he approached the end of his life. Feinstein’s final column, published on the day of his passing, was a poignant reminder of his commitment to his readers and the world of sports he loved so deeply.
The Legacy of John Feinstein
John Feinstein’s passing leaves a void in the world of sports journalism, but his legacy remains indelible. Through his books, columns, and media appearances, he reshaped the way people think about sports, offering a glimpse into the lives of the athletes and coaches who define the games we love. Feinstein’s ability to balance the excitement of competition with the humanity of its participants made him a true original.
His impact extends beyond the page. Feinstein inspired a generation of sports journalists to dig deeper, to tell stories that go beyond the scoreboard. His willingness to explore the complexities of his subjects—whether it was Bobby Knight’s fiery temperament or the pressures of the PGA Tour—set a new standard for sports writing. Feinstein’s work reminded us that sports are about more than just wins and losses; they are about people, their struggles, and their triumphs.
As the world says goodbye to this remarkable writer, we take solace in the body of work he left behind. John Feinstein’s stories will continue to captivate readers for years to come, ensuring that his legacy endures long after the final buzzer.
