North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell said his decision to play against South Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl really wasn't a decision at all. He never intended on opting out of the game.
While he still declined to reveal his intentions on whether he'll enter the NFL draft, Howell told reporters on Monday's video conference why playing this game matters.
"It wouldn't sit right for me not playing the bowl game," Howell said. "I still have a lot of decisions to be made about my future, it's just something I'm praying about, talking to my family about, but I love this team."
Howell injured his non-throwing shoulder against Pitt and sat out the Wofford game. He said he understood the logic from those who suggested he stop playing this season to avoid further injury and begin training for the NFL draft.
It's just not how Howell thinks. He said he didn't want the Tar Heels' inexplicable collapse in the closing minutes of a 34-30 loss to N.C. State to be his final game.
"It's something that definitely makes a lot of sense when you really look at what's at risk and all that, but I'm here for this team," Howell said. "And I just feel like as a quarterback of this team, and as a leader of this team, it's just not the right thing. Even if it is the best decision for me and my career to opt out of the game. It's not about me, people could say I'm in the position where I can be selfish and make that made that decision, but that's just not who I am."
UNC had four players — receiver Dyami Brown, running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, and linebacker Chazz Surratt — opt out of the Orange Bowl last season. Howell didn't fault those players for making their decision, but added his participation in the bowl wasn't some kind of signal to NFL scouts of his devotion to football.
"The reality of it is, I am here for my team, I'm not doing this just because I want to show people, that's what I'm about, that's just truly who I am," Howell said. "I pride myself on being a good teammate and always being here for these guys and it just wouldn't sit right for me kind of given up on the season, no matter what's at stake."
As Howell spoke on why he's playing, UNC announced that cornerback Kyler McMichael is not. The junior from Atlanta has opted out of the bowl. The possibility remains that he could transfer and play out a final year of eligibility.
McMichael transferred to UNC after playing the 2018 season at Clemson as a true freshman. He started eight of the nine games he played in last season. This year, he started the first seven games of the season, but spotty tackling led him to be replaced. He made just one start in the team's last five games.
