ATLANTA — Just a few days ago, a man entered the locker room at the Minnesota Vikings’ practice facility with a hanger carrying a red No. 15 jersey. Garrett Bradbury, the Vikings’ center, noticed the man and introduced himself. They exchanged pleasantries and Dobbs, the man, mentioned that he had some cadence questions for Bradbury. Little did they know that just 78 hours later, Dobbs would be leading the Vikings’ offense in an exhilarating 31-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Dobbs had recently been acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals and was still adjusting to his new team. The news of becoming the starting quarterback came as a surprise to him, considering he had just moved to Minnesota and finally settled in. His NFL career so far had been a whirlwind, playing for multiple teams and constantly moving around.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Dobbs took control of the Vikings’ offense and led them to victory against the Falcons. His ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems had been evident throughout his football career. In college, he even earned a reputation for his functional intelligence, his ability to apply what he learned on the field.

Dobbs’ background as a rocket scientist was also notable. His passion for engineering and his fascination with space had shaped his approach to football, seeing similarities between quarterbacks and engineers in terms of problem-solving and data assessment.

While Dobbs’ path may not have gone according to plan, he remained composed and comfortable in high-pressure situations. This was evident in his college debut as a true freshman, when he replaced an injured starter against Alabama and led the team’s only scoring drives of the game.

The Vikings had initially prepared for rookie Jaren Hall to lead the offense, but after Hall suffered a concussion, Dobbs stepped in and seamlessly took over. With his ability to escape the pocket, make plays with his legs, and quickly grasp the team’s play calls, Dobbs guided the Vikings to victory.

In the end, Dobbs’ introduction to the media after the game was a testament to his resilience and determination. He acknowledged the challenges he had faced throughout his career but expressed excitement for the opportunity to make his mark with the Vikings.

Overall, Dobbs’ unexpected journey and ability to rise to the occasion made for a compelling and inspiring story.