Howie Schwab, an iconic figure in the sports world, known for his remarkable knowledge and passion for sports, has passed away at the age of 63.
His journey from being a humble researcher at ESPN to becoming the star of a popular trivia show on the network is a testament to his dedication and love for the field.
Howie Schwab began his career at ESPN in 1987 as a researcher. His aptitude for sports trivia and his commitment to his role soon earned him the position of coordinating producer on shows like “SportsCenter” and “Outside the Lines.”
“During his time at ESPN and after, NO ONE was more committed to excellence than Howie.” – Gerry Matalon, Matalon Media founder
His profound sports knowledge led to the inception of “Stump the Schwab”, a trivia show hosted by Stuart Scott that aired on ESPN from 2004-06. The show was a platform for Howie to showcase his extraordinary grasp of sports trivia, and he quickly became a beloved figure among sports fans.
After the news of his passing was made public, tributes began pouring in from all corners of the sports community. Dick Vitale, ESPN college basketball color commentator, shared his heartfelt condolences on his social media account.
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
Howie’s unique style and humor made him a popular on-air talent during the early days of “First Take”. His game rating segment, where he would rate upcoming games on a scale of one to five bags of chips, is still remembered fondly by sports fans.
“In my career, I’ve never known anyone who loved sports more than Howie Schwab.” – Skip Bayless, Former ‘First Take’ co-host
Even after leaving ESPN in 2013, Howie continued to contribute to the sports arena. He served as a consultant on “Sports Jeopardy” and a bracketologist for Fox Sports’ college basketball coverage.
Schwab, a resident of Baldwin, Long Island, was a proud alum of St. John’s. He was remembered by the basketball program with a tribute on its official social media account.
Going to miss those “Go SJU” tweets. Rest in Peace, @howieschwab. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. 💔 https://t.co/j6RFI18qlW
— St. John's Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) April 20, 2024
Howie’s passion for sports, his dedication to his work, and his ability to connect with fans will forever remain etched in the annals of sports history. He may not be with us anymore, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.