Vikings' Dobbs has the best nickname thanks to NASA

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs has the best nickname in the NFL thanks to NASA

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Nov 7, 2023 8:33 AM ET

When Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs came off the bench in relief of rookie Jaren Hall in Sunday’s matchup the Atlanta Falcons, he hadn’t even taken a practice rep with his new team.

Dobbs, who barely had enough time to get acclimated with his new playbook following a Tuesday trade from the Arizona Cardinals, led the Vikings from an 11-3 deficit to a 31-28 win, passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 66 yards and a third score.

His performance was so impressive that it inspired NASA to give him a witty new nickname following arguably his best game of the season.

Congratulations @josh_dobbs1 on yesterday’s big win! Looks like you rock(et) on and off the field. We heard you’ve even got a new nickname, the "Passtronaut." If the suit fits, wear it. pic.twitter.com/Pah3MuQsWs
— NASA's Glenn Research Center (@NASAglenn) November 6, 2023

Dobbs is quite familiar with NASA, having earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee, making him a certified rocket scientist.

He spent two offseasons early in his career working at the NASA Kennedy Space Flight Center as part of the NFLPA’s Virtual Externship Program, and he was even on hand to witness the SpaceX launch to the International Space Station.

Wrapped up my @nasa virtual Externship. Great opportunity to work w/ & learn from some of the greatest minds in the world. Special thanks to the @NASAKennedy CLPS Pilot Excavator Team & @NFLPA for the experience. Looking forward to seeing our rover in action on the surface! pic.twitter.com/yQBUGOnxwd
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) March 9, 2021

Dobbs first visited NASA when he was just 7 years old when his family took a slight detour on their way to Universal Studios for a family vacation.

The 28-year-old plans to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, perhaps with NASA, after his football career is over.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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