Former ESPN Star Howie Schwab Dead At 53
By Jason Hall
April 20, 2024
Longtime ESPN statistician and former on-air personality Howie Schwab has died at the age of 63.
Schwab, who starred on the titular 'Stump The Schwab' gameshow hosted by legendary late former ESPN Stuart Scott, was initially reported to have passed in a post shared by longtime friend and ESPN colleague Dick Vitale.
“So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy @howieschwab – he was recently at my home. Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited. May he please RIP," Vitale wrote on his X account.
Schwab's wife, Suzie, confirmed her husband's death in a separate post, according to the New York Post.
So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy @howieschwab - he was recently at my home . Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited .May he please RIP pic.twitter.com/mbkiZ9h5cg
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 20, 2024
Schwab joined ESPN in 1987 and remained with the company until 2013, having worked on multiple shows before serving as the final challenge for the titular trivia show 'Stump the Schwab' from 2004 to 2006, which included a 64-16 overall record on the program.
“I’m proud of that. Eighty percent is pretty darn good,” Schwab told The Athletic in 2020. “There were a couple of times when people were better. I’ll admit it. I had no problem with it. I remember one time I was disappointed because this guy was a cocky SOB who beat me and it bothered me a little. Bottom line is I’ve lived through so many things in sports and I’ve always been into sports, so (getting stumped) was fine.”
The St. John's alum would later work for FOX Sports, as well as serving as a consultant on the game show 'Sports Jeopardy!' hosted by Dan Patrick from 2014 to 2016.