Samuel Duke Howell is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. During his college career at North Carolina, he set impressive records, including the most touchdown passes in a single season (38), as well as the most career passing yards (10,283) and touchdown passes (92).
1960: Meeting of Howell's Grandparents
Sam Howell's American grandfather met his Korean grandmother in Korea in 1960 after the Korean War.
September 16, 2000: Sam Howell's Birth
Sam Howell was born on September 16, 2000.
2004: Joining Lamar Jackson in Elite Company
Sam Howell joined Lamar Jackson as the second Power 5 quarterback since 2004 to post back-to-back games of over 300 passing and 100 rushing yards.
January 2019: Enrollment at UNC and Starting Quarterback Debut
Sam Howell enrolled at UNC in January 2019 and became the first true freshman to start as quarterback for the Tar Heels.
2019: ACC Rookie of the Year and Record-Breaking Freshman Season
In 2019, Howell was named ACC Rookie of the Year and set a freshman FBS record with 38 touchdown passes. He also led the conference in passing yards and touchdowns, earned third-team All-ACC honors, and was named the 2019 Military Bowl MVP.
2020: Successful Sophomore Season
In 2020, Sam Howell had his most successful season as the 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 Decision to Enter the NFL Draft
Sam Howell graduated from UNC in December 2021 and announced his decision to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.
2021: Orange Bowl Appearance and Second-team All-ACC Honors
Sam Howell earned second-team All-ACC honors and threw three touchdowns in the 2021 Orange Bowl.
May 6, 2022: Signing with the Washington Commanders
Sam Howell signed his four-year rookie contract with the Washington Commanders on May 6, 2022.
2022: Drafted by the Washington Commanders
In 2022, Sam Howell was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft.
2022: Breaking UNC Records and Entering the NFL Draft
Sam Howell finished his Tar Heel career with school records in touchdown passes (92) and passing yards (10,283). He entered the 2022 NFL Draft after throwing at least one touchdown pass in every college game he played.
2022: First Career Start and NFL Debut
Sam Howell made his first career start and NFL debut in Week 18 of the 2022 season, securing a win against the Dallas Cowboys.
2023: Starting Role and Challenging Start
Sam Howell became the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. However, he faced challenges, including a game with four interceptions and nine sacks. Despite these setbacks, he led the NFL in passing yards by mid-November and was on track to break the single-season sack record for a quarterback.
2023: First NFL Starts and League-Leading Stats
Sam Howell was named the starter for the final game of his rookie season in 2022. In 2023, he threw for 3,900 yards while leading the NFL in sacks taken (65) and interceptions (21).
March 14, 2024: Trade to the Seattle Seahawks
Sam Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on March 14, 2024, along with draft picks, in exchange for a third-round and fifth-round pick.
2024: Trade to the Seattle Seahawks
In 2024, Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for mid-round draft picks.