'Cowboys Fan' Sam Howell Leads Commanders to Win vs. Childhood Team

Growing up a Dallas Cowboys fan, Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell probably never imagined his first win would come against his favorite team.

ASHBURN, Va. -- There's a certain amount of loyalty expected out of fan bases like the one cheering on the Washington Commanders. 

And the same could be said about Dallas Cowboys fans who are known as some of the most loyal in all sports. 

On Sunday, one Cowboys fan turned foe and handed his favorite team a season-ending loss. 

All while lifting himself into the running to be Washington's next favorite quarterback. 

"I kept that from you all, all week long. I did grow up a Cowboys fan so it was super cool to play the Cowboys in my first start and beat them," quarterback Sam Howell said. "My dad is a big Cowboys fan so it was a cool moment for us as a family because we grew up Cowboys fans."

If you read the subtext of Howell's words, he clearly aligns himself with burgundy and gold these days. 

And it appears his family, specifically his dad, likely does as well. 

At least when the two division rivals face each other. 

Of course, Howell has likely preferred the Commanders over Dallas for close to nine months now. 

Back in April, the Cowboys had four chances to draft Howell. 

Instead, they passed on him, and Washington took their shot at the top of the fifth round to nab the North Carolina Tarheels' star quarterback.

Of course, Dallas didn't necessarily need to draft a quarterback. 

Still, Howell proved his supporters right, and his doubters wrong, even if he wasn't looking to do so. 

"I really don't feel like I have to prove myself," Howell said. "What I wanted to do tonight is prove who I am as a player to my teammates...I'm a true believer that God has me where he wants me to be...Happy to be here on the Commanders."

And Washington fans are looking forward to seeing if he might become the long-term Cowboys slayer they've been searching for years to find.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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