Dallas fans have a new storyline to follow as the Cowboys approach the 2026 season: the battle for the backup quarterback position. Both Sam Howell and Joe Milton earned wins in the preseason, and NBC 5’s Newy Scruggs sat down with Howell to hear his perspective on the competition and his personal connection to the franchise.
Howell’s preseason performance
Howell threw a touchdown and an interception over two preseason games, starting the Cowboys’ victory over Seattle. Milton, meanwhile, started the win against Arizona. The two quarterbacks are now vying for the role that could see them step in at any moment during the regular season.
A lifelong Cowboys fan
When asked about his first NFL start, Howell recalled playing against the Cowboys in Week 18 of the 2022 season, when Washington defeated Dallas 26‑6. “It was exciting to get my first NFL start. I grew up a Cowboys fan, so to get to play against the Cowboys in my first game was a pretty cool experience,” he said. He added that the experience remains one of the best days of his life.
Howell’s first career pass was a 16‑yard touchdown, a moment he described as a “full‑circle” moment for a fan who watched every game as a child. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he takes each day “one day at a time.”
Learning from the team’s veterans
Growing up, Howell idolized former Cowboys starters Dak Prescott and Tony Romo. He said, “I was a Tony Romo guy… I love watching Dak. Dak is a heck of a player, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of learning a lot from Dak.” Howell noted that the team gives Prescott a hard time about his age, but he respects the veteran’s continued production.
Looking beyond the backup role
Howell emphasized that his goal is more than just being a backup; he hopes to earn a starting role somewhere in the league someday. “It’s just about making the most of your opportunities,” he said. “You can’t control how many opportunities you get, but you can control how you approach them.” He reflected on the various offenses he has learned over five NFL seasons and the coaches who have helped shape his development.
College ties and friendships
Howell also highlighted his friendship with Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, a former teammate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Javonte is one of my best friends. He was a valedictorian coming out of high school and a great player on the field,” Howell said.
Preparing for the future
Looking ahead, Howell said he will continue to take each practice, preseason snap, and potential regular‑season appearance as a chance to prove himself. “I love playing football,” he said. “In the past three years I haven’t had the opportunity to play much football, so it doesn’t matter if it’s a preseason game or a regular‑season game or a playoff game—I’m just excited to go out there and play.”
The backup quarterback competition will likely remain a focal point for Cowboys supporters throughout training camp and into the regular season, as fans watch both Howell and Milton strive to earn the trust of the coaching staff and the city of Dallas.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
