The Story of Josh Dobbs: The Passtronaut

An NASA worker who became an NFL quarterback

By: Marek Solow, Journalist

March 4, 2024

The Story of Josh Dobbs: The Passtronaut

Before this year, most NFL fans didn’t even know who Josh Dobbs was. But now, he’s on the league’s radar. Not only is he a prominent NFL quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, but he is also employed at NASA at the same time.

Josh Dobbs was born on January 26, 1995 in Alpharetta, Georgia. He played for the Alpharetta High School football team and did very well, and then he went on to college where he would play at the University of Tennessee for 4 years. During his college career, he was also pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. When he graduated with his degree, his skill on the field was recognized by NFL scouts and he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did not start for the team, and only threw for 43 yards with a 50% completion percentage, with 1 interception. During the offseason, Dobbs found time to work on his internship at NASA. He continues to work with NASA while also primarily playing football. During his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, he spent 1 month on-site at the Kennedy Space Center and was present for the SpaceX launch to the ISS.

But recently, Dobbs has made a name for himself. Last season, he played for both the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. He started for the Cardinals after their #1 quarterback, Kyler Murray, was injured before the season started. With the Cardinals, he had a 1-7 record, throwing 8 touchdowns to 5 interceptions and was traded to Minnesota after Week 8. He started for the Vikings because their #1 quarterback, Kirk Cousins, experienced a midseason injury that would leave him out of play for the rest of the year. With the Vikings, Dobbs played much better. In his first game in Minnesota, they played the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, Dobbs went 20-30, 158 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown. But things began to click in Week 10 against the Saints. Dobbs went 23-34, 268 yards, and a touchdown. He added another one on the ground, rushing in for another touchdown. After this game, Dobbs earned himself the nickname “Passtronaut” from his teammates.

Although the Vikings did not make the playoffs, they still had a decent season, finishing 7-10. Kirk Cousins is expected to return next season, but Dobbs plans to stay in Minnesota as a backup. Cousins has a history of injuries, and Dobbs has shown he can play quarterback at a high level.

Josh Dobbs does not have cancer, although he does not have hair. He has an autoimmune disease known as Alopecia Areata, causing unprecedented hair loss. He is an advocate for people with it all over the world. Not only has Josh Dobbs balanced two careers and an autoimmune disease, he also has maintained a relationship with Jocelyn Lara through his entire career.

At 29 years old, Josh Dobbs continues to further his NFL and NASA careers. He doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon, and will continue playing for the Minnesota Vikings under the nickname “Passtronaut”.

The Story of Josh Dobbs: The Passtronaut

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