Sam Howell
A record-setting college quarterback whose powerful arm and poise under pressure earned him a shot at steering an NFL offense.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American football player·Birthday: September 16·Generation Z
Biography
Sam Howell rewrote the record books at the University of North Carolina, arriving as a highly-touted recruit and leaving as the most prolific passer in the program's history. His tenure in Chapel Hill was defined by explosive plays and statistical dominance, culminating in a 2021 season where he threw for 38 touchdowns. Howell's game combines a deep-ball threat with surprising mobility, a dual-threat capability that made him a nightmare for ACC defenses. Drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2022, he patiently waited for his chance before seizing the starting job and demonstrating his resilience in a demanding professional environment. His subsequent move to the Dallas Cowboys placed him in a quarterback room with immense pedigree, offering a new chapter to develop his tools and compete at the highest level. Howell's journey reflects the modern quarterback's path: a college phenom navigating the high-stakes chessboard of the NFL.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Sam was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sam Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Sam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the University of North Carolina's single-season record with 38 touchdown passes in 2021.
- Became UNC's all-time career leader in both passing yards (10,283) and touchdown passes (92).
- Started multiple games as quarterback for the Washington Commanders during the 2023 NFL season.
Did You Know?
He was a multi-sport star in high school in North Carolina, also playing baseball at a high level.
In his final college season, he also led the Tar Heels in rushing touchdowns.
He was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I'm at my best when I'm slinging it and being aggressive.”
