Josh Dobbs is not your typical NFL quarterback. He is also a rocket scientist who has interned with NASA and earned a degree in aerospace engineering. His remarkable story of balancing academics and athletics has inspired many sports fans and young students.
From Tennessee to Minnesota
Dobbs started his football career at the University of Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to three consecutive bowl wins and set several school records. He also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.75 GPA and a major in aerospace engineering. He was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2016 and received the Torchbearer Award, the highest honor for a Tennessee student.
Dobbs was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons as a backup to Ben Roethlisberger, appearing in six games and throwing one touchdown pass. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, but did not see any action. He returned to the Steelers in 2020, but was waived before the start of the 2021 season.
Dobbs then bounced around several teams, signing with the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions, the Tennessee Titans, and the Browns again, before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in August 2023. He started eight games for the Cardinals, but struggled with a 1-7 record and a 62.8% completion rate. He was traded again on October 31, 2023, to the Minnesota Vikings, who needed a quarterback after Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
A Viral Sensation
Dobbs made his debut for the Vikings on November 5, 2023, against the Atlanta Falcons. He replaced rookie Jaren Hall, who left the game in the first quarter due to a concussion. Dobbs had a rough start, getting sacked for a safety and fumbling on his second possession. But he bounced back and led the Vikings to a thrilling 31-28 victory, throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 66 yards and another score. His game-winning touchdown pass to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds left was his first time throwing to him, as he had not practiced with the team before.
Dobbs’ performance was not only impressive, but also viral. He became the talk of the NFL and social media, as fans and analysts praised his resilience and intelligence. He also received a lot of attention for his post-game interview, where he introduced himself to his new teammates and fans, and admitted that he did not know all their names yet. He said he would study the roster and the playbook as his homework for the week.
Dobbs also joked about a TikTok video that used Creed’s song “Higher” to celebrate his touchdown run. The video, created by user MaceAhWindu, showed him singing along to the chorus as Dobbs sprinted into the end zone. Dobbs reposted the video on his own TikTok account, his podcast’s social media account, and responded to it on Twitter, saying “This is awesome. Creed is my favorite band.”
A Valuable Lesson
Dobbs is more than just a viral story, he is also a valuable lesson for sports fans and young students. He shows that it is possible to pursue both academic and athletic excellence, and to overcome challenges and adversity. He also demonstrates the importance of being humble, positive, and prepared.
Dobbs is an inspiration to many people, especially those who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. He has spoken at several schools and events, encouraging students to follow their passions and dreams. He has also shared his experiences and insights on his podcast, “The Rocket Hour with Josh Dobbs”, where he interviews guests from various backgrounds and professions.
Dobbs is not only a talented quarterback, but also a brilliant rocket scientist. He is a rare and remarkable example of what one can achieve with hard work, dedication, and passion.
