Former Tennessee football quarterback Joshua Dobbs is poised to potentially step into the spotlight during Super Bowl 60 as the backup quarterback for the New England Patriots. The Patriots are set to clash with the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, following a pivotal AFC Championship game where starting quarterback Drake Maye sustained a right shoulder injury.
As of February 2, Maye reported positive progress in his recovery, stating he has “turned a corner” and managed to throw normally during practice. However, in the event Maye is unable to play, Dobbs is next in line on the depth chart, positioning him for his first Super Bowl appearance.
Joshua Dobbs, hailing from Alpharetta, Georgia, was a notable player at the University of Tennessee from 2013 to 2016, where he became a standout quarterback. He entered the starting role due to injuries during his freshman and sophomore years and maintained that position throughout his junior and senior seasons. His collegiate career saw him break several records at Tennessee, including for career rushing yards (2,160) and rushing touchdowns (32) by a quarterback, as well as significant passing stats.
One of Dobbs’ most memorable performances came during the 2016 season when he led the Vols to a dramatic comeback against the Florida Gators, overcoming a 21-point deficit to secure a victory. Another highlight was a game-winning Hail Mary pass against Georgia, further solidifying his legacy at Tennessee.
After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, Dobbs played for multiple NFL teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers, before securing a two-year deal with the Patriots in March. In the 2023 NFL season, he achieved personal bests, starting 12 of his 13 games and accumulating significant passing statistics.
Currently, Dobbs has seen action in four games this season as the Patriots’ backup, displaying efficiency by completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards. As Super Bowl 60 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Dobbs will get a chance to make his mark on football’s biggest stage. His journey from a celebrated college athlete to a potential Super Bowl contender showcases the exciting unpredictability of the NFL and the resilience of its players.