What Happened to Robert Joshua Dobbs?

Joshua Dobbs, often referred to as "the Passtronaut" due to his aerospace engineering background, has carved out a unique and often unpredictable career path in the National Football League. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Dobbs spent his initial years primarily as a backup, showcasing intelligence and mobility but struggling to secure a long-term starting role. His early career saw stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and multiple returns to the Steelers, interspersed with time on practice squads and brief active roster spots with teams like the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans.

The 2023 NFL season marked a significant turning point for Dobbs, where he gained considerable attention for his unexpected starting opportunities. He began the season as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals after being traded from the Browns in August 2023. Dobbs led the Cardinals to an upset victory over the undefeated Dallas Cowboys and demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, accumulating 1,569 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 258 rushing yards with three touchdowns in eight games. His performance led to another trade in October 2023, sending him to the Minnesota Vikings following a season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins. In Minnesota, Dobbs quickly became a fan favorite, leading the team to unexpected victories and earning the nickname "Dobbs-mania" for his ability to step in with minimal preparation and perform effectively. He played in five games for the Vikings, starting four, throwing for 895 yards, five touchdowns, and adding 163 rushing yards and three scores.

Following his memorable 2023 season, Dobbs signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2024, where he served as a backup to Brock Purdy. He appeared in two games for the 49ers, making one start, and completed 32 of 47 passes for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The 49ers had a down year in 2024, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs.

In March 2025, Dobbs continued his journey, signing a two-year, $8 million contract with the New England Patriots. He was brought in to back up second-year quarterback Drake Maye and contributed to the Patriots' Super Bowl LX runner-up season. During the 2025 season, Dobbs made four appearances, completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards, primarily in relief or during garbage time.

Most recently, on March 23, 2026, the New England Patriots announced their plan to release Dobbs after being unable to find a trade partner. This move saved the Patriots $3.7 million in cap space. Dobbs, at 31 years old, is now a free agent, seeking his tenth NFL team. His release came after the Patriots re-signed Tommy DeVito, who is expected to take over the backup role behind Drake Maye. Dobbs' career continues to be defined by his resilience and readiness to step into challenging situations across the league.