Stephen A. Smith Opens Up About Dating Life on Howard Stern Show

NEW YORK — ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith revealed details about his dating life during a candid appearance on ‘The Howard Stern Show‘ alongside his ‘First Take‘ colleague Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. The sports commentator confirmed he is in a relationship but kept the identity of his partner under wraps.

‘There is [a special lady],’ Smith admitted when Stern asked about his romantic life. ‘You’ve got to remember something, guys — I cover sports, that’s true. But the industry has evolved to the point where — and I’m not bragging, I’m just speaking fact — I’m more popular than 95 percent of most of the athletes I cover. As a result of that, you’re in the news constantly. So, you’ll know who that person is when she’s Mrs. Stephen A. Smith.’

Russo, known for his unfiltered commentary, added context about Smith’s romantic side. ‘He has told me in the past, quietly, that, yes, he thinks there might be [marriage] down the road,’ Russo said. ‘He’s more romantic than you think. I could see him proposing over a candlelit, nice Italian dinner in Rome.’

Smith, 57, who has two teenage daughters, has been notoriously private about his personal life. In 2019, he revealed he was once engaged, but the relationship ended before reaching the altar. When asked about the breakup, Smith famously told reporters, ‘It’s none of their damn business.’

Speculation about Smith’s current relationship has been fueled by a July 2023 photo of him lounging on a beach in Barbados with a mystery brunette. Her identity remains unknown, and it is unclear if she is the same woman Smith referenced during the Stern interview.

Beyond his personal life, the conversation also touched on sports, including predictions for Super Bowl LIX. Smith and Russo shared their thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles, with Smith expressing admiration for the Eagles’ sports culture. ‘I worked [for] 17 years at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and I think it’s a phenomenal sports city,’ he said.

The interview showcased Smith’s trademark candor and Russo’s playful banter, offering fans a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two of sports media’s most prominent figures.