Sam Howell and Javonte Williams swap jerseys following week 2 game

Former Tar Heels Sam Howell and Javonte Williams share a special moment following Washington’s comeback win over the Denver Broncos.

It has been quite the journey for Sam Howell and Javonte Williams, two Tar Heels whose paths to the NFL went differently but still ended up on the same field playing against one another in week two of the NFL.

Howell was looked at as a top draft pick before his stock sunk, seeing ACC QB Kenny Pickett steal the spotlight on draft day. Howell dropped to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, landing in Washington.

Meanwhile, Williams, drafted a year prior, was not the first running back drafted, with the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to go with Najee Harris and the Jaguars going with Travis Etienne in the first round. However, unlike Howell, the powerful, shifty Williams would be the first running back taken in the second round with the 35th overall pick by Denver.

Both had a tough start to their careers; Williams looked great to start before a season-ending injury that caused him to miss 13 games in the 2022 season. Meanwhile, Howell would await his debut, while Washington played QB shuffle between Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke his rookie year.

It is safe to say it played out well for the Tar Heels. Howell was named the starter and has looked every bit of what he did at UNC, leading Washington to 2-0. While on the flip slide, Williams returned to the Broncos and has not looked like he has missed a step, still playing like a human bulldozer.

The Two Tar Heels met after Washington’s win over the Broncos, where they swapped jerseys, with Williams leaving a message for Howell.

It is safe to say it has worked out for both Howell and Williams. Howell is finally getting the respect he earned, and Williams is back looking healthy after a scary injury.

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