Howie Schwab, best known for his time on ESPN trivia show “Stump the Schwab,” died Saturday, the network announced.
He was 63.
Schwab worked at ESPN from 1987 through 2013 in a variety of roles from researcher to producer, most prominently on the game show. On “Stump the Schwab, which aired from 2004-06 and was hosted by the late Stuart Scott, contestants tried to defeat him in a sports trivia contest.
Laid off from ESPN, Schwab later worked for Fox Sports and as a consultant and writer on “Sports Jeopardy!”
Former colleagues remembered Schwab on Saturday.
“So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy,” ESPN personality Dick Vitale shared on social media, along with a photo of him with Schwab, who was in a wheelchair. “He was recently at my home. Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited. May he please RIP.”
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
ESPN studio host John Buccigross fondly remembered the days of working with Schwab at network headquarters in Bristol, Conn.
“Howie was pure ESPN,” Buccigross wrote. “What a time it was in Bristol when everyone was a fanatic sports follower — the real heart and soul of the place. The newsroom had such a palpable energy and Howie was a light all us bugs were drawn to. Lived and loved the job.”
–Field Level Media