Joshua Dobbs has quickly taken the NFL world by storm after being traded to the Minnesota Vikings with his strong performances since being thrust into action.
Dobbs has now also earned a nickname for his exploits: “Passtronaut.” How did he come by the unique moniker?
Joshua Dobbs Dubbed ‘Passtronaut’
It’s unclear exactly when Dobbs’ new nickname caught on, but its origins have obvious ties to his background.
The now fourth-year NFL quarterback has a strong background in science after earning a degree in aerospace engineering during his time at the University of Tennessee. He accomplished that while also putting together a successful collegiate career during his four years with the Volunteers, tallying 7,138 passing yards and 2,160 rushing yards.
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Dobbs hopes to become a pilot and also has a desire to go to space, according to the Arizona Cardinals’ team website.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Go to space, go to the moon, go to Mars,'” Dobbs said. “It’s really cool to see the amount of commercial opportunities to go to space and the amount of people that have the opportunities to become astronauts. It’s on my bucket list. Obviously, that’s a huge decision to make, but it would be cool.”
Dobbs has picked up other space-related nicknames throughout the years due to his interests, including “Astro Dobbs.”
He has now added “Passtronaut” to the list and was called such by the National Aeronautic Space Administration’s Glenn Research Center on Twitter after leading Minnesota to a 31-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 5.
Dobbs’ Inspired Start With Minnesota Vikings
Dobbs has quickly become a cult hero of sorts among NFL fans after adapting on the fly just days after joining the Vikings to spur them to their win over the Falcons. He relieved rookie Jaren Hall in the contest and went 20-of-30 passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns, adding seven carries for 66 yards and one more score.
Dobbs followed that up with another impressive performance last week, leading Minnesota to a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. He went 23-of-34 through the air for 268 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 44 yards and another score.
His performance has been a much-needed buoy for the Vikings after starting quarterback Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending injury in their Week 8 win over the Green Bay Packers.
The last few weeks have represented a remarkable turnaround for Minnesota, which began the year 1-4 before going on its recent five-game win streak.
Now, Dobbs will look to build on his strong start and help the Vikings take their sixth straight win as they face the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
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