Two former Tennessee Volunteers are heading to Super Bowl 60, and while they won’t be the headliners, their journeys to the biggest stage in football are stories worth watching.
Joshua Dobbs, now backing up rookie quarterback Drake Maye in New England, will suit up for the Patriots as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8. And on the other sideline, Velus Jones Jr. is making the most of a late-season opportunity with the Seahawks, having been elevated from the practice squad for both of Seattle’s playoff games so far.
Let’s break down how these two Vols made their way to the Super Bowl.
Joshua Dobbs: The Journeyman with Staying Power
Dobbs’ path to Super Bowl 60 has been anything but linear. After signing a two-year deal with the Patriots back in March, he’s served as the No. 2 behind Maye, appearing in four games this season. While his snaps have been limited, he’s made the most of them-completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards, including a 23-yard strike that reminded everyone of his ability to stretch the field when called upon.
This isn’t Dobbs’ first reunion with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him during his stint with the Titans in 2022. That familiarity likely played a role in bringing Dobbs to Foxborough, where his experience and steady presence have been valuable behind a rookie quarterback in a high-pressure environment.
Dobbs’ resume over the past few seasons reads like a crash course in NFL adaptability. In 2024, he was the backup in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy, making two appearances and one start.
The year before, he was thrust into starting roles with both Arizona and Minnesota, logging 12 starts in 13 games. He threw for 2,464 yards, completed nearly 63% of his passes, and accounted for 13 touchdowns-numbers that reflect a quarterback who, while not a franchise centerpiece, can absolutely keep a team afloat.
Originally drafted by the Steelers in 2017, Dobbs has carved out a career by being the kind of smart, reliable option teams can turn to in a pinch. And now, he’s one game away from a Super Bowl ring.
Velus Jones Jr.: A Position Switch, a Fresh Start, and a Super Bowl Shot
On the other side of the field, Velus Jones Jr. is writing a different kind of story-one about reinvention and resilience.
Jones has been elevated from Seattle’s practice squad for both playoff games, including the divisional round win over San Francisco, where he logged six carries for 10 yards. It’s a modest stat line, but it marks another step in a season that’s seen him fight his way back into the league spotlight.
Originally drafted as a wide receiver by the Chicago Bears in 2022, Jones made a bold position switch to running back after being released in 2024. He started the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints, contributing mostly on special teams across five games before being released in October. That opened the door for the Seahawks, who added him to their practice squad in November.
His most notable regular-season moment came against Atlanta, when he tallied 32 yards on four carries. It wasn’t a breakout, but it was a flash of what he could offer-a versatile, speedy option out of the backfield with return-game experience.
Jones’ journey has taken him through several stops in just a few years: Chicago, Jacksonville (practice squad), Carolina (active roster late in 2024), New Orleans, and now Seattle. It’s been a grind, but his persistence has paid off. He’s not just watching the Super Bowl from the sidelines-he’s part of the roster, and potentially part of the game plan.
Darrell Taylor: A Name to Watch
Another former Vol, defensive end Darrell Taylor, is also with the Patriots, though he hasn’t seen game action this season. He’s been on the practice squad, providing depth and support throughout the year.
The Vols in the Big Game
For Tennessee fans, seeing Dobbs and Jones in the Super Bowl is a reminder of the program’s reach-and of the different paths NFL careers can take. Dobbs, the cerebral quarterback who’s become a trusted veteran presence, and Jones, the explosive athlete who’s reinvented himself to stay in the league, are both proof that perseverance matters.
They may not be the stars of Super Bowl 60, but they’ve earned their place under the lights.