Sam Howell: The Rising Star Quarterback Who Could Reshape the NFL's Future
In the ever-evolving world of American football, where franchises are constantly on the hunt for their next franchise quarterback, few young signal-callers have stirred as much intrigue as Sam Howell. From his record-breaking college days at North Carolina to his early glimpses of promise in the NFL, Howell’s journey reflects resilience, raw talent, and the relentless drive to prove doubters wrong. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Howell's name is steadily rising on the radar of football analysts and fans alike.
The North Carolina Phenom
Sam Howell's football story began in Monroe, North Carolina. Even in his high school days at Sun Valley High, Howell was setting records, passing for over 13,000 yards and 145 touchdowns, while also rushing for more than 3,600 yards. His dual-threat abilities—combining a powerful arm with surprising mobility—caught the attention of college scouts nationwide.
He committed to the University of North Carolina (UNC) and instantly made history. In 2019, as a true freshman, Howell threw for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns, the most ever by a freshman in ACC history. Over the next two seasons, Howell continued to impress, showcasing his deep-ball accuracy, poise under pressure, and ability to extend plays with his legs.
Despite playing behind a leaky offensive line in his final college season, Howell finished his UNC career with 10,283 passing yards, 92 touchdowns, and nearly 1,100 rushing yards, firmly establishing himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Tar Heels history.
Draft Day Slide: A Blessing in Disguise?
Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell was once considered a potential first-round pick. However, as draft evaluations shifted and concerns arose regarding his height (6'1") and the Tar Heels' lackluster final season, Howell's stock slipped. He eventually fell to the fifth round, selected 144th overall by the Washington Commanders.
While some viewed this as a disappointment, others saw an opportunity. Howell landed on a team in need of a long-term answer at quarterback, with a front office willing to give young players a chance to prove themselves. The slide down the draft board added fuel to Howell’s competitive fire, and he carried that chip on his shoulder into every practice and preseason game.
NFL Debut and First Impressions
Sam Howell's official NFL debut came in Week 18 of the 2022 season against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite limited playing time leading up to the game, Howell showcased flashes of his potential. He threw for 169 yards, 1 touchdown, and rushed for another score, leading Washington to an impressive 26-6 victory.
While his performance was far from flawless, Howell’s poise in the pocket, deep-ball touch, and fearlessness in tight situations stood out. More importantly, he displayed the kind of leadership that coaches value in a franchise quarterback.
Playing Style: More Than Just a Game Manager
Labeling Howell as a mere "game manager" would be a gross understatement. His arm strength allows him to make throws to all areas of the field, especially deep shots that keep defenses honest. What makes Howell particularly intriguing is his mobility; though not a prototypical dual-threat quarterback, his ability to escape pressure and pick up key first downs with his legs makes him dangerous.
One of Howell’s signature traits is his toughness. Throughout his college career and in early NFL appearances, Howell has shown a willingness to stand in the pocket and take hits while delivering throws. This grit, combined with his quick release and football IQ, gives him a chance to succeed even against elite NFL defenses.
However, his aggressive play style sometimes leads to holding onto the ball too long, resulting in avoidable sacks. If Howell can improve his internal clock and decision-making speed, he has the tools to become a top-tier starter.
The Path Ahead: Can Sam Howell Become a Franchise QB?
The 2025 NFL season could be a pivotal one for Howell. With Washington in a transitional phase, a solid year from him could cement his status as the team's quarterback of the future. Given his work ethic and mental toughness, Howell seems poised to seize that opportunity.
Moreover, the Commanders’ coaching staff appears committed to building around him. With improved offensive line play and the presence of young, talented receivers, Howell is in a situation where his growth can be nurtured rather than stifled.
That said, the NFL is a results-driven league. Howell will need to prove that he can lead game-winning drives, limit turnovers, and maintain consistency over a full season. If he can accomplish that, the narrative around Sam Howell could shift from “draft steal” to “franchise cornerstone.”
Conclusion: An Underdog Story in the Making
Sam Howell embodies the underdog spirit—a talented yet overlooked player who thrives when counted out. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and mental toughness gives him a real shot at becoming one of the breakout quarterbacks of the next NFL era. While the journey ahead is filled with challenges, Howell’s resilience suggests he’s ready to face them head-on.
As fans and analysts continue to watch his development, one thing is certain: Sam Howell is not done surprising people. And if his trajectory continues upward, he might soon be leading not just Washington, but also the league’s next generation of elite quarterbacks.
