Joshua Dobbs—NFL quarterback and aspiring aerospace engineer—known for his Vol for Life spirit, recently traded his football gear for golf clubs to support the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation Inc.'s 5th Annual Joshua Dobbs ASTROrdinary Golf Classic. Founded in 2022, this nonprofit inspires and empowers individuals, especially youth, through educational, economic, professional and recreational development.
“At the core, our goal is to inspire and empower the next generation through education, STEM exposure, leadership development and community outreach,” Dobbs says. “We want to provide experiences that open doors and expand perspectives. Whether that’s introducing students to aerospace and aviation, creating access to educational resources, supporting families in need, or simply showing kids examples of people who move differently and think differently, we want to help build confidence and curiosity. We also want the foundation to create a lasting impact in the communities that helped raise me, especially in Knoxville and Alpharetta.”
The Golf Classic successfully raised funds to support local youth STEM and educational programs, benefiting communities both within and beyond Tennessee. Dobbs, a recognized hometown hero, has a long history of giving back, stemming from his middle school years and the values instilled by his parents.
“Growing up, I was fortunate to have people invest in me early. Whether it was through sports, academics, STEM opportunities, or mentors who simply took the time to encourage me, those experiences helped shape the path I’ve been able to walk today. Starting the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation was really about paying that forward. I wanted to create opportunities for young people to see that they don’t have to fit into one box. You can love sports and science. You can chase big goals while still serving your community. The foundation is about helping students dream bigger, think differently and realize there’s no limit to what they can become.”
The event commenced on April 9 with the ASTROrdinary Welcoming and Pairing Party presented by Food City at the Social Deck inside Neyland Stadium. Attendees mixed and mingled, awaited their tournament pairings and participated in a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation. To kick off the party, Dobbs acknowledged supporters and sponsors, shared the foundation’s accomplishments and awarded community grants.
Golfers met at Tennessee National on April 10 with their pairs to participate in the tournament. A mix of VFLs, pro golfers and golf enthusiasts, the players came ready to play and compete for the coveted ASTROnaut trophy.
“The turnout was incredible. Every year, it feels like the event continues to grow, and this year was no different. The support from sponsors, VFLs, volunteers and everyone who showed up really meant a lot. Beyond the golf itself, what stood out most was the energy around the event. It felt like a reunion, a celebration and a chance to rally around a bigger purpose, all at the same time. The end result was a successful weekend that will help us continue creating opportunities and experiences through the foundation.”
VFLs such as Al Wilson, Omar Gaither, Trey Smith, Jauan Jenning, Cam Sutton and many others are frequent supporters of the foundation. Dobbs' ultimate goal for the foundation is continuous growth and increased community impact, driven by the belief that The Sky Is Not The Limit.
“I want people to know that the foundation is bigger than me. It’s really about community. None of this happens without the people who continue to support the vision, volunteer their time, sponsor events and show up consistently year after year. We want to continue building something that creates real opportunities and long-term impact for young people. We’re just getting started.”
Follow @joshdobbs and @astrordinarydf on Instagram to keep up with him and the foundation.
"Starting the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation was really about paying that forward. I wanted to create opportunities for young people to see that they don’t have to fit into one box."
Joshua Dobbs, founder of ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation, Inc.
Joshua Dobbs, former New England Patriots quarterback, is known as "The Passtronaut" due to his deep passion for space. He was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. Before his NFL career, Dobbs attended UTK, where he majored in aerospace engineering and quarterbacked for the Volunteers. He continues to pursue his interest in rocket science whenever possible.
His commitment to the field was highlighted during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars when he participated in the NFLPA Externship. This led him to spend a month at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where he witnessed the historic SpaceX launch to the International Space Station firsthand. Dobbs aspires to work in the aerospace industry after he concludes his football career.
Dobbs embodies a VFL through his active philanthropy: hosting youth sports camps, and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Clubs and local hospitals to improve the community. He consistently supports those facing challenges like cancer or alopecia and actively volunteers at youth summits while hosting sports camps to train and mentor young leaders. His philanthropy reflects a mix of education, mentorship and personal advocacy. For more details or to support the mission, visit AstrordinaryDobbsFoundation.org.