UNC Football: Sam Howell presented with Patterson Medal

The former UNC football star was honored during the first quarter of the Tar Heels’ blowout victory over Syracuse on Saturday afternoon.

After playing on Thursday night for the Washington Commanders, former UNC football star Sam Howell returned home this weekend.

Howell was in attendance for the Tar Heels’ blowout victory over Syracuse, as the program’s former quarterback was presented with his Patterson Medal during a timeout break.

The Patterson Medal serves as the oldest and most prestigious award that a North Carolina student-athlete can achieve. Dating back to 1924, the award has been presented yearly to student-athletes in recognition of their career athletic achievements at the University of North Carolina.

In order to be considered for the award, a student-athlete must have played at least three seasons for the Tar Heels, and their collegiate careers must be concluded. Other factors, such as leadership and sportsmanship, are also taken into consideration.

Howell was one of three recipients in 2022, as Chris Gray (Men’s Lacrosse) and Jamie Ortega (Women’s Lacrosse) also took home the award. The University of North Carolina finally had the opportunity to present the award to him as he made a return to Chapel Hill this weekend.

It was a great weekend at North Carolina, as the UNC football program took care of business against Syracuse. Howell’s return was a bright spot of a great day for not only the program but for the university as well, as his appearance at the game was a reminder of how much he did to help guide the success of the UNC football program during his college career.

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