Robert Joshua Dobbs Bio
Robert Joshua Dobbs, nicknamed “the Passtronaut,” is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Tennessee and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Dobbs has been a member of nine NFL teams and has served as a starter for the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Dobbs was born on January 26, 1995, in Alpharetta, Georgia, to parents Stephanie and Robert Dobbs. His mother worked as a regional manager in corporate human resources for United Parcel Service, and his father retired as a senior vice president for Wells Fargo. Dobbs has alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, which began during his transition from elementary to junior high school. He began playing football at the age of five and attended Wesleyan School before transferring to Alpharetta High School. As a senior, he threw for 3,625 yards with 29 touchdowns and was awarded the Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy as the top African-American high school athlete in the nation.
Path to American Football
Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and a four-star by Scout.com, Dobbs initially committed to Arizona State University but later switched to the University of Tennessee in 2013. At Tennessee, he developed as a quarterback, competing for the starting role and eventually becoming the team’s primary starter. His college career was marked by significant achievements, including leading Tennessee to bowl victories and earning the President’s Award in 2016 for dedication and perseverance.
Robert Joshua Dobbs Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Dobbs was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season as a backup quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones, seeing limited playing time. In the 2018 season, Dobbs made his NFL debut and appeared in five games, completing 43 passing yards and one interception. He gained experience stepping in during injuries to the starting quarterback.
Journeyman Years and Starting Roles (2019–2024)
Dobbs was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and later had multiple stints with the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers. Notably, he served as the starting quarterback for several teams during this period. In 2022, Dobbs started for the Tennessee Titans late in the season, leading the team in critical games. In 2023, he began as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals and later was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he earned NFC Player of the Week honors after a standout performance. Dobbs signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, starting the season finale and contributing both passing and rushing touchdowns.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
In March 2025, Dobbs signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots to serve as a backup quarterback. This move marks his ninth NFL team, continuing his role as a reliable and experienced quarterback option.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dobbs is known for his dual-threat capabilities, combining passing accuracy with effective rushing ability. His background in aerospace engineering contributes to his analytical approach to the game, earning him the nickname “the Passtronaut.” He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability across multiple teams and offensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Dobbs’s career highlights include leading Tennessee to bowl victories, earning the 2016 President’s Award, and becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to record three touchdowns in consecutive games while playing for different teams. His journey through nine NFL teams showcases his perseverance and versatility.
Robert Joshua Dobbs Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Joshua Dobbs has accumulated several notable wins as a starting quarterback across multiple teams. His leadership in critical games has contributed to team successes and playoff contention.
Arizona Cardinals Highlights
Dobbs led the Arizona Cardinals to their first win of the 2023 season in an upset over the undefeated Dallas Cowboys. He finished his tenure with the Cardinals with 1,569 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 258 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
After joining the Vikings in 2023, Dobbs made a significant impact by throwing for 158 yards and scoring three total touchdowns in a comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons. This performance earned him NFC Player of the Week honors.
Other Wins & Performances
Dobbs has also contributed to wins with the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, including starting late-season games and delivering multi-touchdown performances.
Robert Joshua Dobbs Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joshua Dobbs comes from a supportive family with professional backgrounds; his mother worked in corporate human resources, and his father held an executive position in banking. His family has supported his athletic and academic pursuits throughout his career.
Personal Life
Dobbs is a Christian and has spoken publicly about the significance of his baptism during high school. He is an advocate for alopecia awareness, a condition he personally experiences. Dobbs is also the founder of the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation. His cousins include Parker Washington, a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tyler Tolbert, a professional baseball player for the Kansas City Royals.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Joshua Dobbs signed with the New England Patriots as a backup quarterback. He is expected to provide veteran depth and mentorship behind the starting quarterback Drake Maye. Dobbs’s experience across multiple teams and his dual-threat skill set position him as a valuable asset for the Patriots’ roster and strategic planning for the season.