Samuel Duke Howell Bio
Samuel Duke Howell is an American professional football quarterback who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 16, 2000, in Waynesville, North Carolina, Howell established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in North Carolina Tar Heels history before entering the NFL. He was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has since played for the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and most recently the Dallas Cowboys, signing with the franchise in March 2026. Throughout his career, Howell has demonstrated his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, showcasing the dual-threat capabilities that defined his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina.
Early Life and Background
Howell was born on September 16, 2000, in Waynesville, North Carolina, and grew up in Union County, North Carolina. He attended Sun Valley High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where he became one of the most decorated high school quarterbacks in the state’s history. During his time at Sun Valley, Howell threw for 13,415 yards and 145 touchdowns while also showcasing his rushing ability with 3,621 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns on the ground.
The second-ranked recruit in all of North Carolina, Howell originally committed to play college football at Florida State University. However, after FSU offensive coordinator Walt Bell left the program and Mack Brown was hired as the new head coach at the University of North Carolina, Howell changed his commitment and flipped to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This decision would prove pivotal in shaping his future football career.
Path to American Football
Howell enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in January 2019 and immediately made an impact. He became the first true freshman in school history to win the starting quarterback job for the Tar Heels. In his collegiate debut, he passed for 245 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening 24-20 victory over South Carolina. He continued to impress throughout his freshman season, highlighted by a 401-yard, three-touchdown performance against NC State in a 41-10 victory.
His exceptional freshman campaign earned him ACC Rookie of the Year honors after he completed 259 of 422 passes for 3,641 yards with 38 touchdowns, which set a freshman FBS record at the time. His yardage and touchdown totals led the conference, and he earned third-team All-ACC honors. Howell also capped his freshman season by earning Military Bowl MVP honors after throwing for three touchdowns while also catching a touchdown pass in a 55-13 win over Temple University.
Samuel Duke Howell Career
North Carolina Tar Heels (2019-2021)
Howell entered his sophomore season with high expectations, appearing on watchlists for the Maxwell, Manning, and O’Brien awards. He earned ACC Player of the Week honors after throwing for 443 yards against Virginia. Against Wake Forest two weeks later, he set school records with 550 passing yards and six touchdowns in a single game while also rushing for another touchdown. He would later record his second career touchdown catch in a 62-26 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. The 2020 season proved to be his most successful as the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback, leading the team to an 8-4 record and a final ranking of 18th in the AP Poll while earning second-team All-ACC honors.
Heading into his junior season, Howell was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and was named to multiple award watchlists. Against Georgia State in week two, he threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 104 yards and two scores, becoming only the second quarterback in Tar Heel history to achieve over 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game. The following week against Virginia, he threw for 307 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 112 yards, joining Lamar Jackson as only the second Power 5 quarterback to post back-to-back games of over 300 passing and 100 rushing yards since 2004. He suffered a shoulder injury on the final play of overtime against Pittsburgh but returned to finish the season with 3,056 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 828 rushing yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns. He graduated in December 2021 and declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, leaving UNC as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (10,283) and touchdown passes (92).
Washington Commanders (2022-2023)
Despite projections of being an early-round pick, Howell was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 6, 2022. Howell made his first career start and appearance in Week 18 of the 2022 season after the team had been eliminated from playoff contention. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards and recorded both a passing and rushing touchdown in a 26-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys to close out the season.
Howell entered the 2023 season as the starting quarterback after beating out Jacoby Brissett in training camp. The season started with challenges, including a Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills where he threw four interceptions and was sacked nine times in a 37-3 defeat. By mid-November, he had led the NFL in passing yards with over 2,700 and was on pace to break the single-season quarterback sack record, having been sacked 40 times in the first seven games. After being benched at various points during the season, Brissett suffered a hamstring injury, thrusting Howell back into the starting role. He finished the regular season starting all 17 games with 3,946 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, though his 612 passing attempts, 21 interceptions, and 65 sacks were all league highs during the 2023 season.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks along with a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for draft capital. He served as the backup to Geno Smith throughout the season, appearing in only two games. His most significant playing time came during a Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he replaced an injured Geno Smith and completed 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards with one interception. The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in free agency and drafted Jalen Milroe, rendering Howell expendable heading into the 2025 offseason.
Minnesota Vikings (2025)
On April 26, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings acquired Howell from the Seahawks in exchange for draft picks. The trade gave Howell an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise that had been developing young talent at the quarterback position. He joined a Vikings team looking to build depth at the most important position on the roster.
Philadelphia Eagles (2025)
On August 24, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Howell from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for future draft picks. The move provided the Eagles with additional quarterback depth as they navigated the 2025 season. Howell joined an organization with championship aspirations and a proven track record of developing quarterbacks.
Dallas Cowboys (2026-Present)
On March 10, 2026, Howell signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing gave Howell an opportunity to join one of the NFL’s most storied franchises and compete for playing time in a new environment. The Cowboys have historically featured dynamic offenses, and Howell’s dual-threat ability aligns with the franchise’s offensive philosophy.
Playing Style and Strengths
Howell is known for his dual-threat capability, able to make plays both through the air and on the ground. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated the ability to extend plays with his legs while also showing the arm strength to make all the necessary throws at the NFL level. His rushing ability was a significant part of his game at North Carolina, where he accumulated over 1,200 rushing yards in his junior season alone. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he has the size to absorb contact while maintaining mobility. His experience starting multiple seasons in a major college conference prepared him for the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Howell’s career has been marked by several notable milestones, including his ACC Rookie of the Year award in 2019 and his record-setting performances at North Carolina. His 550-yard, six-touchdown game against Wake Forest in 2020 remains a single-game school record. In the NFL, his 2023 season saw him lead the league in passing attempts, interceptions, and sacks while becoming the first quarterback to attempt over 600 passes in a season while also being sacked 60 or more times. His journey through five teams in five seasons demonstrates the volatility and opportunity that characterizes NFL quarterback careers.
Samuel Duke Howell Career Statistics
Howell’s career NFL statistics through the 2025 season reflect his development as a professional quarterback. Across his time with Washington, Seattle, Minnesota, and Philadelphia, he has accumulated significant playing time despite the频繁 team changes that have characterized his early NFL career.
NFL Career Highlights
In 62 career games with 35 starts, Howell has completed 404 of 645 pass attempts for 4,139 yards with 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, resulting in a 77.5 passer rating. His 2023 season with Washington was his most prolific, as he started all 17 games and threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns while leading the league in attempts, interceptions, and sacks. His ability to make plays with his legs has added an extra dimension to his game, with multiple career rushing touchdowns recorded.
College Career Highlights
Howell left North Carolina as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (10,283) and touchdown passes (92). His single-season record of 38 touchdown passes in 2019 stood as a program record. He earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and was named to the All-ACC team twice in his three seasons. He recorded at least one touchdown pass in every game he played during his college career, demonstrating remarkable consistency and reliability as the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback.
| Competition Level | Games | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 62 | 404 | 645 | 62.6 | 4,139 | 22 | 23 |
| College (UNC) | 36 | 666 | 1,093 | 60.9 | 10,283 | 92 | 26 |
Samuel Duke Howell Family
Family Background
Howell comes from a diverse family background. He is of Korean heritage, as his American grandfather met his Korean grandmother while stationed in Korea in 1960 following the Korean War. This family connection has given Howell a unique cultural background that he has acknowledged in various interviews and media appearances throughout his career.
Personal Life
Off the field, Howell follows a specific dietary lifestyle, as he has never eaten any beef or seafood, with chicken being the only meat in his diet. This discipline reflects the attention to detail and commitment to his craft that has characterized his approach to football. He maintains a close friendship with former UNC teammate Drake Maye, who succeeded him as the starting quarterback at North Carolina. The two have remained connected as Maye has progressed through his own football career. Howell is active on social media, where he engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional and personal life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a year of transition for Howell as he navigated his fourth and fifth NFL teams. After beginning the season with the Minnesota Vikings following an April trade, he was acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles in late August. The mid-season trade provided a fresh start with a franchise that has consistently competed for championships in recent years. Working within the Eagles’ offensive system, Howell focused on demonstrating his readiness to contribute when called upon. His career path through multiple organizations reflects the competitive nature of the NFL quarterback position and the importance of adaptability in professional sports. As he continues his career, Howell remains focused on development and earning opportunities to showcase his abilities at the highest level of American football.