John Feinstein had a gift. He didn’t just write about sports—he brought them to life. He made us care, not just about the games but about the people playing them. He pulled back the curtain and revealed the human stories behind the competition. For a die-hard “basketball is all that matters” fan like me, he did the impossible—he made me care about golf, baseball, and even women’s tennis.
Of course, I initially loved him because he was a Blue Devil. But I kept reading him because no one could tell a story like John Feinstein. He made the smallest details matter. His ability to weave historical context, personal struggles, and the essence of competition into every narrative was unparalleled. Even when I didn’t agree with all his takes—especially his criticisms of Coach K—I never stopped reading. Because every piece he wrote was, without fail, worth reading.
Feinstein, who passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 68, left behind an indelible mark on sports journalism. He wasn’t just a writer; he was a historian, an investigator, and, above all, a storyteller. His work chronicled the drama, the passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness in sports, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Feinstein authored 48 books, with 23 making the New York Times bestseller list. His first major success, A Season on the Brink, took readers inside the tempestuous world of Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight, providing an unprecedented look at the intensity and brilliance of one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. It spent 17 weeks atop the Times’ bestseller list and forever changed how sports books were written.
From there, Feinstein expanded his reach, proving that his insight and storytelling abilities weren’t limited to basketball. In A Good Walk Spoiled, he took readers on a journey through a year on the PGA Tour, making golf compelling even for those who had never picked up a club. Where Nobody Knows Your Name shined a light on the forgotten world of minor league baseball, showing the relentless grind of athletes chasing an elusive dream. The Punch examined one of the most shocking moments in NBA history, detailing how a single violent act changed the lives of two men forever.
For me, some of his greatest work came in The Legends Club, where he captured the intensity, rivalry, and camaraderie between Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, and Jim Valvano. It wasn’t just a book about basketball—it was a book about leadership, competition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Feinstein was one of the few sports journalists who truly understood Duke basketball—not just as an outsider chronicling a dynasty, but as a graduate who had seen it evolve. His relationship with Coach K spanned decades, from Krzyzewski’s early struggles to his rise as a five-time national champion. In Five Banners, Feinstein embraced his Duke roots, telling the story of Krzyzewski’s unparalleled success with unparalleled access. He was there through the wins, the losses, the controversy, and the glory. And he was always honest, even when it meant criticizing the man at the helm.
Beyond his books, Feinstein was a fixture in sports media. As a columnist for The Washington Post, a commentator for NPR, and a guest on countless radio and television shows, his voice became synonymous with smart, in-depth sports analysis. He didn’t just cover the games; he dissected them. He held athletes, coaches, and administrators accountable. He told stories that needed to be told, even when they weren’t always comfortable.
John Feinstein’s influence on sports writing is immeasurable. He inspired generations of journalists, proving that sports stories could be as compelling, as deep, and as meaningful as any other form of nonfiction. He captured the human element of athletics—the dreams, the struggles, the triumphs, and the heartbreaks—with a precision and authenticity few could match.
I’ll miss reading his latest take, miss debating his arguments, and miss seeing his name pop up on a new book release. But his work lives on, and for that, we can all be grateful.
Rest in peace, Mr. Feinstein. Your words mattered. Your stories mattered. And you will always be remembered as one of the greatest sportswriters of all time.
May his memory be a blessing.
Some of my favorite book he wrote:
📖 The Legends Club – An inside look at the legendary rivalry between Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, and Jim Valvano.
⚾ Where Nobody Knows Your Name – A masterful dive into the grind of minor league baseball.
🏀 A Season on the Brink – The definitive book on Bob Knight and Indiana basketball.
🏆 The Last Amateurs – A love letter to true student-athletes in the Patriot League.
👊 The Punch – The gripping story of Kermit Washington’s infamous punch and its impact.
⛳ A Good Walk Spoiled – The book that made me care about golf.
Hayden Coombs 