Former ESPN Trivia Show Host Howie Schwab Passes Away

Former ESPN research department guru and popular trivia show host, Howie Schwab, has sadly passed away. The news was shared by renowned ESPN college basketball color commentator, Dick Vitale, on X. Vitale expressed his sadness, stating that Schwab had recently visited his home and seemed to be feeling good despite various health issues. He extended his condolences to Schwab's family and wished for him to rest in peace.

Schwab had a long and successful career at ESPN, joining the network as a researcher in 1987 and eventually becoming the coordinating producer of programs like "SportsCenter" and "Outside the Lines". He gained fame as the star of "Stump the Schwab", a trivia show hosted by the late Stuart Scott from 2004 to 2006. On the show, Schwab competed against sports fans in a trivia contest, amassing an impressive record of 64-16.

In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Schwab expressed pride in his record, stating that an 80% success rate was quite good. He acknowledged that there were a few occasions when he was stumped by contestants, but he took it in stride. Schwab always had a deep passion for sports and saw being challenged as a part of the game.

Gerry Matalon, founder of Matalon Media and a longtime ESPN coordinating producer and talent coach, spoke highly of Schwab, describing him as a hardworking individual who was committed to excellence. Matalon considered it a privilege to have worked with Schwab, who was always willing to help others be their best.

In addition to his trivia show and coordinating roles, Schwab also had on-air talent as a "couch potato" on ESPN's "First Take". He would rate upcoming games for the weekend on a scale of one to five bags of chips. Former 'First Take' co-host, Skip Bayless, expressed admiration for Schwab's love for sports and stated that he had never known anyone more passionate about the game.

After leaving ESPN in 2013, Schwab continued to contribute to the sports world as a consultant on "Sports Jeopardy" and a bracketologist for Fox Sports' college basketball coverage. His expertise and dedication to the field were valued by both networks.

Schwab, originally from Baldwin, Long Island, was an alumnus of St. John's University. The university's basketball program paid tribute to his unwavering support for the team in a tweet on X. They expressed their sorrow at the loss of his "Go SJU" tweets and extended their condolences to his family and friends.

Howie Schwab's passing marks the end of a remarkable career filled with passion and dedication to the world of sports. His contributions to ESPN and his expertise in trivia will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a love for sports that will continue to inspire others.