Sam Howell

Samuel Dale Howell was born September 16, 2000, in Monroe, North Carolina, and grew up in the Charlotte area. His upbringing in the Piedmont region shaped his football development, and his family's blue-collar background has remained central to his public identity throughout his career.

Howell attended Sun Valley High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where he was one of the top-rated quarterback recruits in the country. He signed with North Carolina and spent three seasons with the Tar Heels, setting multiple program passing records and establishing himself as a high-volume passer in the ACC.

The Washington Commanders selected Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, pick 144 overall. After a developmental rookie season, he stepped into the Commanders' starting role in 2023 and led the NFL in passing yards briefly during that season, though with inconsistent overall production.

Howell has since moved to the Seattle Seahawks (briefly) and now the Dallas Cowboys, bringing his strong arm and willingness to throw downfield to new organizations looking for quarterback stability. His combination of physical tools and production flashes has kept him employed despite uneven supporting casts.

His career résumé is still developing, but Howell has already demonstrated starting-caliber production in the NFL and has produced multiple 300-plus yard passing games across his first several seasons. His college record-setting at North Carolina and his early NFL flashes have kept him in quarterback conversations despite his mid-round draft status.

Off the field, Howell has maintained a quiet, low-key public profile. He has supported youth football initiatives in his native Charlotte area and has been active with community work in the cities where he has played. He maintains endorsement partnerships with brands targeting traditional football audiences and has been a visible presence in North Carolina athletics circles, where his ACC record-setting college career remains fondly remembered.