Sam Howell is an American football quarterback currently playing in the National Football League (NFL), most recently for the Minnesota Vikings. Born and raised in Indian Trail, North Carolina, Howell stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 220 pounds[1][4]. He attended the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he made an immediate impact as the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Tar Heels[2][5]. In his debut 2019 season, Howell set a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) freshman record with 38 touchdown passes and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year[2][5]. Over three collegiate seasons, he became UNC’s all-time leader in several categories, including passing yards (10,283), passing touchdowns (92), and career passing efficiency (164.2)[2]. Howell’s college career was marked by both prolific passing and unexpected rushing production, especially in his junior year when he ran for over 800 yards while still throwing for 3,000 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability[3]. Despite high expectations entering the 2022 NFL Draft—some analysts projected him as a potential second- or third-round pick—Howell was selected in the fifth round by the Washington Commanders[2][3]. With Washington, he competed for the starting quarterback role and showed flashes of potential, particularly with his mobility and ability to perform under pressure, as highlighted in various game highlights[4]. In 2025, Howell’s NFL journey took a new turn when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, becoming part of their quarterback room[1]. His current relevance stems from this recent move, which positions him as a potential contributor in a competitive NFC North division. While his professional statistics and role are still developing, Howell remains recognized for his college achievements, his composure under pressure, and his potential to grow into a starting NFL quarterback. His career trajectory reflects both the unpredictability of the NFL draft process and the ongoing opportunity for late-round picks to make an impact at the highest level of the sport[1][2][3].