Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has a tremendous opportunity early in his NFL career. In just his second season, he has been handed the keys to the Washington franchise with the hope that he can bring stability and success that they’ve been missing at the QB position for quite some time.
Howell has always shown grit and toughness throughout his time in football, from his days at the University of North Carolina, where he was the first freshman to ever earn the starting quarterback job, to the opportunity in his rookie year late in the season when he stepped up and beat a good Dallas Cowboys team in Week 17.
Looking at Howell and his background, it’s easy to see why he’s disciplined and on the path to success. Let’s take a closer look at Howell and his background and how he got here.
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Sam Howell’s Background
Howell’s family heritage goes back to his grandparents, who met in South Korea before moving to and settling in North Carolina. That’s where he and his parents were raised after his grandfather, Bruce Howell, met his grandmother, Han, as a serviceman stationed after the Korean War and came to North Carolina to start their lives.
Howell grew up in Monroe, NC, and went to Sun Valley High School. He was born on Sept. 16, 2000, to Duke and Amy Howell. Duke was a football coach and Sam’s offensive coordinator in high school.
Being a coach’s son is something that is well-respected around the league. In most cases, it allows the player to be around the mental side of the game much earlier than others who were not given the same opportunity.
Opportunity Knocks for Howell
In just his second NFL season, Howell has impressed his coaches and teammates enough to be handed the keys to the Commanders’ offense.
Beating out NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett, Howell was named the starting QB during the preseason. This now looks to be his team heading into the future.
MORE: Where Did Sam Howell Go to College?
Everything Howell has done and faced in his life has led to this point. Now with a massive opportunity to go out and prove to the NFL that he not only belongs in the league but deserves to be the leader of a franchise, there’s no reason to believe Howell won’t seize the moment.