Matt Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, television anchor, reporter, and author who works for FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City, Missouri.
He has built a respected career in broadcast journalism through years of dedication, hard work, and a passion for storytelling.
Outside of television, Matt also gained attention as the author of The Walk-On, a book based on his college football journey.
Who is Matt Stewart?
Matt Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, television anchor, reporter, and author.
He currently works as a morning anchor and reporter for FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City, Missouri, where he covers breaking news, community events, and stories that affect local residents.
Before joining FOX4 in 2012, Matt built experience at several television stations across Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, and Missouri.
His professional approach, reliable reporting, and engaging on-air style have helped him become one of the most familiar faces in Kansas City television news.
Outside journalism, Matt is also a published author and former college football player.
He attended Northwestern University, where he earned a journalism degree and joined the Wildcats football team as a walk-on safety.
Through dedication and hard work, he earned a full athletic scholarship and became part of the historic Northwestern teams that won back-to-back Big Ten championships.
Matt later shared those experiences in The Walk-On, an award-winning book that continues to inspire athletes, students, and readers who enjoy stories about perseverance and determination.
What is Matt Stewart Known For?
Matt Stewart is best known as an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and morning anchor for FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City, Missouri.
He has earned the trust of viewers through his accurate reporting, engaging storytelling, and coverage of major local news events over a broadcasting career that spans more than two decades.
Matt is also recognized as the author of The Walk-On, an award-winning book inspired by his journey from a walk-on football player to a scholarship athlete at Northwestern University.
In recent years, he has received widespread support for openly sharing his battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, inspiring many people with his strength, optimism, and determination.
Early Life of Matt Stewart
Matt Stewart was born on February 7, 1975, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. He has chosen to keep details about his parents, siblings, and early family life out of the public eye.
Despite maintaining privacy about his personal background, Matt has shared several stories about his childhood interests. From an early age, Matt developed a love for writing and storytelling.
At just seven years old, he created a neighborhood newspaper on an electric typewriter and sold copies to nearby families.
He was also selected twice for the Young Authors Conference, which encouraged him to pursue writing.
Along with his interest in journalism, Matt enjoyed football and later attended Northwestern University, where he earned a journalism degree and joined the Wildcats football team as a walk-on.
His dedication eventually earned him a full athletic scholarship.
Matt Stewart Age
Matt Stewart is 51 years old as of 2026, as he was born on February 7, 1975, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Over the years, he has built a successful career as an Emmy Award-winning television journalist, author, and former college football player.
Even while undergoing cancer treatment, Matt has remained active in his career and continues to inspire many people with his resilience and positive outlook.
Matt Stewart Nationality and Ethnicity
Matt Stewart is an American citizen who was born in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Based on publicly available information, his ethnicity is White.
However, he has not publicly shared specific details about his family’s ancestry or heritage.
Matt Stewart Education
Matt Stewart attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, from 1993 to 1997.
He studied at the renowned Medill School of Journalism and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
His education gave him a strong foundation in reporting, writing, and broadcast journalism, which later helped him build a successful career in television news.
While attending Northwestern, Matt also pursued his passion for football. He joined the Wildcats as a walk-on safety and earned a full athletic scholarship through hard work and determination.
Balancing academics with college athletics taught him discipline, leadership, and perseverance.
His experiences at the university later became the inspiration for his award-winning book The Walk-On.
Early Writing Dream and College Football (1993–1997)
Matt Stewart discovered a passion for writing at a young age. At just seven years old, he created a neighborhood newspaper and sold copies to local families.
His talent earned him selection to the Young Authors Conference twice, which encouraged him to pursue journalism as a career.
In 1993, he enrolled at Northwestern University and studied journalism at the Medill School of Journalism.
During college, he joined the Northwestern Wildcats football team as a walk-on safety.
Although he started at the bottom of the depth chart, his determination helped him earn a full athletic scholarship.
Matt also played a role in the Wildcats’ teams that won back-to-back Big Ten championships, one of the biggest achievements in the program’s history.
Building a Career in Local Television (1997–2004)
After graduating in 1997, Matt began his broadcasting career in several Midwestern television markets.
He worked as an anchor and reporter at stations in Omaha, Nebraska, Sioux City, Iowa, Kearney, Nebraska, and Dayton, Ohio.
These early positions gave him valuable experience in live reporting, news anchoring, and covering breaking stories.
Working in smaller markets helped him strengthen his storytelling skills and prepared him for larger television stations.
Becoming a Familiar Face in Kansas City (2004–2012)
In August 2004, Matt joined KCTV5 in Kansas City as a morning anchor and reporter.
During the next eight years, he covered major local stories, severe weather, and community events while building a strong connection with viewers.
His professional reporting style and reliable news coverage helped him earn recognition in the Kansas City television market.
His work also received industry praise, including Emmy Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism.
Success at FOX4 and Becoming an Author (2012–Present)
Matt joined FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in September 2012 as a morning anchor and reporter.
Since then, he has covered breaking news, public safety, local government, education, and many community stories across the Kansas City area.
His dedication and on-air experience have made him one of the station’s most respected journalists.
Outside of television, Matt fulfilled another lifelong dream by publishing The Walk-On, a novel inspired by his own football journey at Northwestern University.
The book received positive reviews and won the Gold Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards.
Readers have praised the story for its message of perseverance, hard work, and believing in yourself.
Cancer Battle and Continuing His Career (2024–Present)
In July 2024, Matt publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer after doctors discovered that the disease had spread to his brain.
He underwent brain surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy while keeping viewers updated about his treatment.
Despite facing serious health challenges, Matt has continued to work whenever possible and has remained active at FOX4.
His openness, optimism, and determination have inspired many people across Kansas City and beyond.
Matt Stewart Wife
Matt Stewart is married to Chrissy Stewart, and the couple has shared a strong and supportive relationship for more than two decades.
They first met in 1999 in Sioux City, Iowa, where Matt worked as a television reporter.
At the time, Chrissy was the best friend of Matt’s sister and had recently come out of a previous relationship.
Their friendship quickly turned into a romance, and they went on their first date the following weekend.
From that point on, they remained together and built a lasting relationship based on love, trust, and mutual support.
Matt and Chrissy married in 2002 and have three children together: daughter Maddie and sons Jackson and Alex.
The family lives in Lenexa, Kansas. Chrissy works as a clinical dietitian at a children’s hospital in Kansas City.
In 2021, she was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Three years later, Matt received a diagnosis of Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Despite facing serious health challenges, the couple has continued to support each other through treatment while focusing on their family.
In February 2025, they renewed their wedding vows through the nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding, creating a meaningful celebration with their children and loved ones during a difficult chapter of their lives.
Matt Stewart Wife Diagnosis
Chrissy Stewart, the wife of Matt Stewart, was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in 2021.
Doctors discovered a large tumor in her abdomen, and she began treatment shortly after receiving the diagnosis.
Before becoming a patient herself, Chrissy worked as a clinical dietitian at a children’s hospital in Kansas City, where she cared for children and supported families facing serious illnesses.
Chrissy has continued to receive regular chemotherapy while staying focused on her family and maintaining a positive outlook.
In 2024, the Stewart family faced another difficult challenge when Matt was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Since then, the couple has stood by each other through surgeries, treatments, and countless hospital visits.
Together, they have remained determined to make the most of every day, cherish time with their three children, and support one another throughout their cancer journeys.
Matt Stewart Children
Matt Stewart and Chrissy Stewart have built a close-knit family with their three children: Jackson, Alex, and Maddie.
Despite Matt’s career as a well-known television journalist, the couple has worked hard to give their children a private and grounded upbringing.
Matt occasionally shares family moments with the public, but he generally keeps their personal lives away from media attention.
The oldest son, Jackson, is 20 years old, followed by Alex, who is 18. Both sons have remained out of the spotlight, and little public information is available about their education or personal interests.
Matt has spoken openly about his dream of being present for important milestones in their lives, including watching them graduate, build successful careers, and one day get married.
The youngest child, Maddie, has often appeared in family updates shared by Matt and Chrissy.
She played a touching role during the couple’s vow renewal ceremony in February 2025 by wearing the same wedding dress that Chrissy wore at their wedding in 2002.
Maddie also shared a memorable father-daughter dance with Matt during the celebration.
As both Matt and Chrissy continue cancer treatment, their children remain a constant source of hope, strength, and encouragement, giving the family even more reason to cherish every moment together.
Matt Stewart Net Worth
Matt Stewart has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2026. He earns most of his income through his career as an Emmy Award-winning television journalist.
As a morning anchor and reporter at FOX4 in Kansas City, he receives a salary for covering local news, reporting live from the field, and anchoring daily broadcasts.
His decades of experience in broadcast journalism have made television his primary source of income.
Matt also generates income from his work as an author. His award-winning book, The Walk-On, continues to earn revenue through book sales in print and digital formats.
In addition, he may receive income from speaking engagements, community appearances, and other media-related opportunities, although the details of those earnings have not been publicly disclosed.
Matt Stewart Height and Weight
Matt Stewart stands at an estimated 6 feet, which is equal to 183 centimeters, and weighs approximately 185 pounds, which is equal to 84 kilograms.
His height and athletic build reflect his background as a former college football player at Northwestern University, where he played as a safety.
He has brown hair and blue eyes, along with a fit and well-maintained physique.
Even after his football career ended, Matt has continued to present a healthy and professional appearance throughout his years as a television journalist.
Despite undergoing treatment for Stage 4 colorectal cancer, he has remained resilient and continues to appear on television and at public events whenever his health allows.
Matt Stewart Illness
Matt Stewart was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in July 2024 after he began experiencing ongoing dizziness and balance problems.
Doctors discovered a tumor in his brain, and additional tests confirmed that the cancer had started in his colon before spreading to his brain and lungs.
The diagnosis came as a shock to Matt and his family, especially because his wife, Chrissy Stewart, had already been fighting a rare form of cancer since 2021.
Soon after the diagnosis, Matt underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor.
He later received radiation therapy and continues to undergo chemotherapy to treat the remaining cancer.
Throughout his treatment, Matt has been open about his health journey, sharing updates through social media and interviews.
His honesty has helped raise awareness about colorectal cancer and has inspired many people facing similar challenges.
Despite living with Stage 4 cancer, Matt has remained determined to continue doing the work he loves.
He has returned to FOX4 whenever his health allows and has stayed active in family life with his wife and their three children.
His positive attitude, faith, and resilience have earned admiration from viewers, colleagues, and supporters, making his journey a source of hope for many others battling serious illnesses.
Social Media Presence
Matt Stewart stays connected with his audience through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
He uses these platforms to share breaking news from FOX4, updates about community events, and behind-the-scenes moments from his work as a television journalist.
He also posts about his award-winning book, The Walk-On, and interacts with viewers who follow his reporting.
Since revealing his Stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024, Matt has regularly shared updates about his treatment and recovery on social media.
His posts often include messages of hope, gratitude, and appreciation for the support he receives from family, friends, colleagues, and the Kansas City community.
His honest and positive updates have inspired many people who continue to follow his journey.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Matt Stewart has built an inspiring career through hard work, determination, and a genuine passion for journalism.
From writing a neighborhood newspaper as a child to becoming an Emmy Award-winning television reporter and author, his journey shows what dedication can achieve.
His story is about much more than success in television. It is also about resilience, hope, and making the most of every moment with the people who matter most.
If you found his story inspiring, feel free to share your thoughts and let others know what part of his journey stood out to you the most.
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