Meet Joshua Dobbs: The NFL's "Passtronaut" And Aerospace Enthusiast

In the world of sports, nicknames can run the gamut from uninspired to iconic. Joshua Dobbs of the Minnesota Vikings and his "passtronaut" moniker sit firmly in the latter category. The idea of a rocket scientist playing football in the National Football League (NFL) is already cool; adding a catchy title into the equation pushes things over the top. But being called "The Passtronaut" raises some logical questions. Has Dobbs ever actually been an astronaut? What is his connection to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)? And how did he get involved with outer space in the first place? Let's break all of that down.

Joshua Dobbs, known for his dual interests in football and aerospace, has captivated the hearts of fans and aspiring scientists alike. He has successfully merged his passion for sports with an impressive academic background in aerospace engineering. This unique combination of skills has given him a distinctive identity in the NFL, making him a role model for young enthusiasts of both fields.

Biography

Is Joshua Dobbs an Astronaut?

Calling Dobbs "The Passtronaut" suggests that he has blasted off into outer space before. And while the idea of double-dipping between space exploration sounds pretty cool (and like something Homer Simpson might pull off), Dobbs hasn't crossed into the final frontier. However, the quarterback's interest in space is genuine. He studied aerospace engineering in college and did an NFLPA Externship at NASA. Actually strapping into a space shuttle and taking flight, however, hasn't been checked off the metaphorical to-do list just yet.

How Did Dobbs Get Into Outer Space?

While there are many ways that people find their way into their chosen careers, many professional seeds are planted during childhood. That's what happened for Dobbs, both in terms of football and space exploration. Josh Dobbs' love for space dates back to his days as a six-year-old, when his strong appetite for math problems and science experiments kept his parents on their toes. During an interview on ABC News' This Week, Dobbs provided a bit more context about his dual loves.

Dobbs Has Worked for NASA

Remember how we laid out that "The Passtronaut" hasn't actually been to space? Well, he has gotten closer to the final frontier than many people have. Dobbs studied aerospace engineering in college and carried that passion with him into the pros. And during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the signal-caller spent a month at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the NFLPA Externship, an experience that culminated with him being on site for the historic SpaceX launch to the International Space Station.

The Passtronaut Does Want to Go to Space

As documented in an October post on the Arizona Cardinals' website, Dobbs still wants to go to space. "Go to space and come back," Dobbs clarified last month on The Dave Pasch Podcast. He added: "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."

Dobbs' Passion Is Setting a Good Example

While everyone has different barometers of cool, there's something to be said for a football-playing astronaut who goes by a unique nickname. And that curb appeal helps Dobbs set a good example for kids who are interested in science and technology. The Science Museum of Minnesota, which has a partnership with the Vikings, is beginning to address the interest by planning new educational programs centered on 'The Passtronaut.'