Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Howell

Discover the career path of Sam Howell, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Sam Howell is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. He achieved considerable success during his college career at the University of North Carolina, establishing new school records. Notably, he holds the record for the most touchdown passes thrown in a single season with 38. Howell also set career records for passing yards, accumulating 10,283, and touchdown passes, totaling 92, during his time as a Tar Heel.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 2019: Enrolled at UNC and Won Starting Job

In January 2019, Sam Howell enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and became the first true freshman to win the starting quarterback job for the Tar Heels.

2019: Named ACC Rookie of the Year and Military Bowl MVP

In 2019, Sam Howell was named the ACC Rookie of the Year after a record-setting freshman season, and he was also named the Military Bowl MVP.

2020: Successful Season as Tar Heel Quarterback

2020 was Sam Howell's most successful season as Tar Heel starting quarterback, leading the team to an 8-4 record and a final ranking of 18 in the AP Poll.

December 2021: Graduation and NFL Draft Declaration

In December 2021, Sam Howell graduated and announced that he would forgo his remaining college eligibility to enter the 2022 NFL draft.

2021: Orange Bowl and All-ACC Honors

In 2021, Sam Howell finished the season throwing three touchdowns in the Orange Bowl in a loss to Texas A&M and earned second-team All-ACC honors.

May 6, 2022: Signed Rookie Contract with Commanders

On May 6, 2022, Sam Howell signed his four-year rookie contract with the Washington Commanders.

2022: NFL Draft

In 2022 Sam Howell entered the NFL draft after a successful college career with the Tar Heels.

2022: First Career Start

In 2022, Sam Howell made his first career start in week 18, recording both a passing and rushing touchdown in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.

2022: Drafted by Washington Commanders

In 2022, Sam Howell was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft and started the final game of the season.

2023: Starting Quarterback for Commanders

In 2023, Sam Howell remained the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, leading the NFL in passing yards by mid-November but also facing challenges with interceptions and sacks.