Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Howell

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 10, 2025

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

Sam Howell is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He achieved considerable success at the University of North Carolina, where he established school records for single-season touchdown passes with 38 and career records with 10,283 passing yards and 92 touchdown passes, solidifying his status as a prominent quarterback prospect.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 2019: Enrolled at UNC

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

2020: Successful Season as Tar Heel Quarterback

2020 was 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 Entry

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

2021: Orange Bowl and All-ACC Honors

In 2021, Howell threw 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

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

2022: First Career Start

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

2023: Starting Quarterback and Interceptions Leader

In 2023, Howell became the starting quarterback. In week 3, he threw four interceptions and was sacked nine times. By mid-November, he led the NFL in passing yards but was on pace to break the single-season sack record.

March 14, 2024: Traded to Seattle Seahawks

On March 14, 2024, Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks along with draft picks in exchange for other draft picks. He mostly served as backup to Geno Smith.