Commanders QB Sam Howell: Key Insights into His Unique Diet

Sam Howell, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has shown promise despite a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Washington is favored to win against the Chicago Bears.

In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, one player who has experienced both highs and lows is Sam Howell, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders. In Week 3, Howell struggled, throwing four interceptions and being sacked nine times in a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, in Week 4, he showed his resilience and talent by pushing the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles to the brink, throwing a game-tying touchdown as regulation expired. Despite the Commanders ultimately losing in overtime, Howell's performance showcased Washington's ability to compete with the league's best.

Reflecting on the game, Howell expressed his belief that the Commanders should have won and that they have the potential to play even better. This positive mindset is a testament to the team's determination and their confidence in their abilities. Now, as they prepare to face the winless Chicago Bears in Week 5, Washington has an opportunity to secure a much-needed victory. The Bears, who have lost a franchise-record 14 consecutive games, are considered underdogs against the Commanders. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday night.

Before diving into the upcoming game, let's take a closer look at Sam Howell and his journey to the NFL. Howell attended Sun Valley High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where he set the state record for total yards during his high school career. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including Gatorade State Player of the Year and USA Today Player of the Year. With offers from top colleges across the country, Howell ultimately chose to commit to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) after coach Mack Brown took over the program.

At UNC, Howell made history as the first freshman quarterback to start a season opener. His talent shone through as he set the FBS true freshman record for touchdown passes with 38 in his debut season. Over the course of his three-year college career, Howell continued to impress, throwing a total of 92 passing touchdowns, ranking third in ACC history. He also ranks highly in conference history for total touchdowns, passing yards, and total offense. With an impressive college resume, Howell made the decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2022 NFL draft.

In the draft, Howell was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round at No. 144 overall. While he wasn't the first quarterback off the board, Howell has proven himself to be a capable player. His rookie contract with Washington is valued at over $4 million and includes a signing bonus and guarantee. Despite being a prominent football player, Howell's personal life has also garnered attention, particularly his unique diet. Since childhood, Howell has only consumed chicken, avoiding other meats such as steak and seafood. This dietary choice has become a signature aspect of his public persona.

In his rookie season with the Commanders, Howell had limited opportunities to showcase his skills. However, in the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, he was given the chance to start. Howell led Washington to a 26-6 victory, completing 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This performance impressed head coach Ron Rivera, who named Howell the team's starting quarterback for the 2023 season. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Washington aims to improve their offense and capitalize on Howell's potential.

So far this season, Howell has completed over 67% of his passes for nearly 1,000 yards, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. While there is room for improvement, his calm and collected demeanor has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Howell's ability to handle pressure and stay focused has been a valuable asset for the Commanders.

As the NFL season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders continue to evolve. With each game, Howell has the opportunity to showcase his talent and lead his team to victory. The future looks promising for this young quarterback, and fans can expect great things from him in the years to come.