Legendary Author John Feinstein Dead at Age 68

Legendary sportswriter John Feinstein has passed away at the age of 68. A celebrated writer and author, he was known for his extensive body of work, including 45 books. Beyond his writing, Feinstein was also a well-respected broadcaster and on-air commentator.

The news of his passing was first reported by National Sportswriters Hall of Famer Dick Weiss, who shared the announcement on X Thursday afternoon.

“I kept hoping this wasn’t true. But legendary sportswriter and one of my closest friends, John Feinstein, has died suddenly,” tweeted Weiss. “A distinguished career at The Washington Post, 45 books including Season on the Brink, A Good Walk Spoiled, and my favorite children’s book of all time, Last Shot. Best I ever read. I’m still in shock. Just spoke with him. He was supposed to stay with us Sunday night before speaking at the Coaches vs. Cancer breakfast at the Palestra.”

Weiss shared the heartbreaking news while covering the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden.

Feinstein’s journalism career began in 1977 when he started writing about politics and sports for The Washington Post. After spending 11 years there, he left in 1988 to become a special contributor to Sports Illustrated (1988-1990) and later National Sports Daily (1990-1991). The following year, he returned to The Washington Post as a contributor.

Over the course of his career, Feinstein authored 45 books, including the widely acclaimed A Season on the Brink, which provided an in-depth look at the Indiana University basketball team and its legendary coach, Bob Knight. The book became a major success, topping The New York Times bestseller list for 16 consecutive weeks from January to August 1987.

Another of his notable works, A Good Walk Spoiled, spent six weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and remained there for a total of 36 weeks. It was later published in paperback in June 2005. His impressive catalog also included Caddy for Life, Open, A Civil War, The Last Amateurs, and Last Shot.

In 2012, Feinstein expanded his career into broadcasting, joining SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel. He initially co-hosted Beyond the Brink with Bruce Murray but left later that year after being offered his own solo show on CBS Sports Radio. However, his tenure at CBS was short-lived, as the network let him go after just under two years.

Feinstein earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C.

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