Football

QB Josh Dobbs continues to impress with Vikings, rests in 'relationship with Jesus Christ'

By Kevin Mercer Nov 13, 2023
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs, Nov. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs has been in Minnesota for less than two weeks, but in that time he’s already done enough to cement himself as a fan favorite.

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On Sunday, he orchestrated a 27-19 home victory against the New Orleans Saints which saw the Vikings score three second-quarter touchdowns to put the game out of reach. One was a 28-yard toss to tight end T.J. Hockenson and another was a seven-yard scamper that electrified the crowd.

In all, Dobbs completed 23 of his 34 passes for 268 yards while also adding 44 yards on the ground. He became the first player in NFL history to amass 400 passing yards, 100 rushing yards and no interceptions in his first two games with a team, according to ESPN. Minnesota has now won five consecutive games after beginning the season 1-4.

“With the playmakers we have, with the mindset that we have, with the guys stepping up making plays, I think we definitely have a lot of potential moving forward,” Dobbs said in his postgame press conference.

Later, Dobbs was asked about the whirlwind that has been the last two weeks.

“I’m taking it in stride,” he said. “What I like to say is I’m exactly where my feet are. I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m not thinking in the past. I’m right here taking it all in.”

Just two short weeks ago, Kirk Cousins was starting at quarterback in Minnesota while Dobbs was starting in Arizona, limping to a 1-7 record in place of injured quarterback Kyler Murray.

When Cousins was lost for the rest of the season to a torn Achilles on Oct. 29, the Vikings traded for Dobbs to be a backup. The very next Sunday, Cousins’ replacement, Jaren Hall, suffered a concussion, so Dobbs was thrust into the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons without ever practicing with the Vikings’ starters.

The 28-year-old didn’t bat an eye, rushing for 66 yards and a score while completing 20 of his 30 passes for two touchdowns. His second one was a six-yard pass to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds remaining to give Minnesota the miraculous 31-28 win.

Dobbs’ eye for detail has certainly helped him succeed in his quick transition as Minnesota’s starting quarterback. His attention to detail was on display in college at Tennessee as well, where he studied aerospace engineering. The man affectionately known as “Astroboy” or “Passtronaut” by Vikings fans has embraced the nicknames.

In a 2014 interview by the university about Dobbs’ unique area of study, he was also asked about the role faith played in his life.

“My personal relationship with Jesus Christ means everything to me,” he said. “Everything that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to God and my parents. I try to live my life in a way that it glorifies God in everything I do.

“I was raised in a Christian home, where my parents grounded me in principles that help me deal with the demands of life. I believe in the power of prayer. Whether a situation is good or bad, I am guided by my faith.”

Dobbs was baptized at 16 as God worked in his heart to make his faith his own.

“That was the time I publicly proclaimed my faith in Jesus Christ, and at the end of the day and end of our lives is all that really matters,” he said this past June at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event. “He’s been faithful to me, so I aim to be faithful to Him in everything I do as a man.”

As part of a story with the Jackson Sun in 2018, Dobbs expanded on the assurance that his baptism brings.

“The day will come that I won’t be a part of any football team,” he said. “But the decision I made during my sophomore year in high school — to be a part of Team Jesus — I’ll be a part of that team for the rest of my life, and for all eternity.”

Dobbs, who lists the Bible verse Joshua 1:9 in his X bio, had the opportunity to speak at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis on Feb. 1, 2020, and share his story of football and faith.

“I truly learned what it meant to be a Christian — what it meant to have my faith as a priority — when I got to college,” he said. “… If church is going to be a priority, if faith is a priority, I have to make it a priority. I have to go get involved in a church. I have to go be present, be willing, be involved.”

Anchored by his faith in Christ, Dobbs will seek to continue his impressive start in Minnesota. He will next lead the Vikings on the road against the Denver Broncos (3-5) on “Sunday Night Football.” The game is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.

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