Why did Tony Kornheiser nickname John Feinstein “Junior?” Origin explored as revered sports columnist passes away

John Feinstein, the sports commentator, sports writer, and best-selling novelist, died on March 13, 2025, at the age of 69. Feinstein established himself as one of the most recognizable figures in sports journalism.

His work for The Washington Post, three best-selling books, and his positions at NPR and ESPN established his reputation as a legend in the sporting world. Among those who knew him best, Feinstein was also remembered by a particular nickname, “Junior.” The nickname was coined by the sports writer and ESPN host Tony Kornheiser.

Tony Kornheiser, the writer and commentator known for his wit and acerbic sense of humor, reportedly called Feinstein “Junior” in the early 1980s when the two were colleagues at The Washington Post.

According to an article by the Washington Post, his nickname was a nod to legendary tennis star John McEnroe, who was frequently called “Junior” because of his fiery temper and outspoken personality. Kornheiser’s nickname captured Feinstein’s dominating presence in the workplace.

According to NBC News, Feinstein died of natural causes at his brother's home in McLean, Virginia. Reports online suggest that his body was found by his brother, Robert Feinstein. He is survived by his wife, Christine, his son, Danny, and his daughters, Brigid and Jayne.

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A look into John Feinstein's legacy in sports journalism

John Feinstein joined The Washington Post in 1977 and made a quick mark. He started out on the crime and night police bits before finding his niche in sports.

Going forward, he became known for his ability to read and understand every sports figure, giving readers a sense of who the person was beyond the statistics and headlines, according to The Washington Post.

One of his best-known works was A Season on the Brink (1986), which chronicles the 1985-86 season of Indiana University's men's basketball team. The book topped the best-seller lists and cemented John Feinstein as one of the greatest sports writers of his generation.

His coverage included a wide variety of sports, including basketball, football, and golf, and even the Army-Navy football rivalry. He published more than 40 books and appeared often on NPR, ESPN, and SiriusXM Radio. He continued to work as a columnist and published a piece as recently as Thursday morning. His most recent column addressed Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo.

John Feinstein received the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.