Tulane Green Wave football legend Sam Howard did things a bit differently than most, perhaps unintentionally, ahead of Pro Day.
Tulane Green Wave linebacker Sam Howard measured in a bit lighter than his weight in college football at the Green Wave’s Pro Day. It makes sense, given that he had pretty much decided to retire from the sport after his five-year career wrapped up. Howard made a late decision to continue his dreams in the sport, deciding to participate in Pro Day two weekends before that event on Tuesday.
He played a lot through injuries in 2025, including breaking his fibula in their Week 7 win against the East Carolina Pirates, which required surgery that inserted multiple screws in his body. Howard only missed two games and three weeks, returning to play against the Memphis Tigers in Week 11.
That played into his decision to initially be done, feeling that his body was just worn out. However, Howard might’ve stumbled onto something that some players could learn from: the importance of recovery and a break, both physically and mentally. After they wrap up their time in the sport, draft-eligible players with those dreams almost immediately switch into pre-draft training. That might work for some, if not most. But with how high stakes and stress it all can become; there might be something to be said about taking time off.
It also might have played a role in Howard’s drills he did quite well in, notably the three-cone drill or L-drill, one that really shows a player’s agility and change of direction.
His participation came as a surprise, to both media and the NFL scouts, who Howard said were skeptical about whether he would continue on or not, so he looked forward to future feedback. But they also saw him play through injury during a critical time in the season. Tulane’s only conference loss to the UTSA Roadrunners was one of the two games Howard didn’t play in.
“Like I told them before, all I know is every time you step on the field, you got to earn it,” Howard said. “So just having that mindset, regardless of to what the narratives are about me, I just want to come out here and just work. Give it all I got every snap. Now I'm glad I'm able to do that. Having that rest, now, I get to come out here and give it everything I’ve got, which is what I'm all about.”
There’s no question about Howard’s toughness, or that he does anything over than give 110% every time he steps on a football field. But his participation in Pro Day certainly bolstered that.
Howard’s best traits aren’t quantifiable on a stat sheet. Anyone who’s been around the Green Wave program knew the massive leadership void of the Cotton Bowl leaders that Howard stepped in and filled until the cup overflowed. He won’t be immediately replaceable to the program. Those qualities, should he make an NFL roster, will be irreplaceable to the team who smartly gives Howard a shot.