Rocky Top News Exclusive: Unrestricted Free Agent QB Joshua Dobbs Parts Ways with New England Patriots, Accepts Historic $200 Million Long-Term Deal with Tennessee Volunteers…
By Rocky Top News Staff | June 10, 2025
In what can only be described as the most shocking and unprecedented move in college football history, Joshua Dobbs, the veteran NFL quarterback and unrestricted free agent, has officially parted ways with the New England Patriots and signed a landmark long-term deal with the Tennessee Volunteers worth a staggering $200 million.
Yes, you read that right.
The beloved former Tennessee signal-caller is returning to Rocky Top — not as a coach or ambassador, but as an active player, thanks to a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership structure that has completely rewritten the boundaries between professional football and the college game.
From Foxborough to Knoxville: A Stunning Reversal of Fortune
Dobbs, who most recently spent the 2024 NFL season with the Patriots and played pivotal backup and spot starter roles, was widely expected to continue his pro career, potentially as a veteran mentor or a bridge quarterback. Yet, after lengthy free-agent negotiations with several NFL teams — including the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and even a rumored return to the Arizona Cardinals — Dobbs stunned the football world by electing to return to college football, leveraging recent NCAA eligibility rule shifts and NIL expansions.
“This is about more than football,” Dobbs said at a massive press conference held at the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium. “This is about finishing what I started. It’s about coming home. It’s about inspiring a new generation of Volunteers — both on the field and in the classroom.”
The deal, believed to include massive NIL incentives, equity partnerships, and lifetime brand ambassador clauses with multiple Tennessee-based companies, is the first of its kind. Valued at $200 million over five years, Dobbs’ return is being heralded as the dawn of a new era in college athletics, one where loyalty, opportunity, and economics align in astonishing ways.
How Is This Even Possible?
Let’s address the obvious question first: How can a former NFL quarterback return to college football?
Thanks to a newly approved NCAA pilot program dubbed “Extended Eligibility Restoration (EER),” athletes who previously completed four years of eligibility but did not exhaust certain academic or injury-related waivers are now eligible for reinstatement under strict guidelines — particularly in light of NIL developments and changing legal interpretations of amateurism.
Dobbs, who originally played at Tennessee from 2013 to 2016 and was beloved for his brilliance both on the field and as an aerospace engineering major, qualifies under this program due to a combination of redshirt years, the COVID-19 blanket waiver, and unused eligibility related to a post-graduate academic fellowship.
The legal pathway, combined with unprecedented NIL backing from a coalition of Tennessee alumni and business entities — including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pilot Flying J, and several aerospace tech startups — created a perfect storm for Dobbs’ return.
Why Tennessee? Why Now?
Joshua Dobbs never truly left Knoxville. Since leaving the Vols for the NFL in 2017, he has remained a fixture in the Tennessee community. His deep love for the university, his academic ties, and his enduring relationship with Volunteer Nation made his return feel more like a homecoming than a business decision.
“I’ve played in the NFL. I’ve worn different uniforms. But the only jersey that ever felt like me was the orange and white,” Dobbs said, fighting back tears. “There’s something magical about this place — the people, the pride, the purpose. I want to be part of building something unforgettable here.”
He also emphasized his desire to help develop younger quarterbacks, collaborate on STEM programs at UT, and lead community initiatives throughout East Tennessee. “This isn’t a comeback. It’s a continuation of the mission,” he added.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23386515/610895666.jpg)
A Deal That Changes Everything
Dobbs’ contract — if you can call it that — is a complex mosaic of NIL earnings, marketing partnerships, advisory roles, and brand licensing. Highlights include:
- $40 million annually in structured NIL payments.
- Equity in three Knoxville-based tech startups.
- Co-ownership stake in a UT-branded aerospace research program.
- A joint venture with the Tennessee Athletics Department to launch a nationwide STEM-mentorship program for high school athletes.
- A post-career transition into a university administrative or coaching role.
The deal was brokered by a coalition of NIL collectives, private donors, and legal advisors, making it a benchmark for future athlete empowerment in the new collegiate landscape.
The Football Impact: Vols Immediately Vault Into Playoff Contenders
On the field, the implications of Dobbs’ return are seismic. The Vols already boast one of the nation’s top recruiting classes and have built an explosive offensive identity under head coach Josh Heupel. But Dobbs’ veteran leadership, elite intelligence, and dual-threat ability inject new life into a roster on the brink of greatness.
Dobbs will not only be the oldest starting quarterback in college football — he’ll also be among the most experienced, with more than 60 professional games under his belt.
“This isn’t just about nostalgia,” said Heupel. “Josh is an elite quarterback, a proven leader, and a man who embodies everything Tennessee stands for. He makes us better on every level — today.”
Expectations are now sky-high. Oddsmakers immediately bumped Tennessee into the top three favorites for the College Football Playoff, behind only Georgia and Ohio State. Neyland Stadium is expected to be sold out for every home game. Merchandise bearing Dobbs’ name and likeness is flying off shelves. The electricity is back — and maybe bigger than ever.
A Cultural Earthquake: What Dobbs’ Move Means for College Football
This decision transcends sports. It challenges everything we thought we knew about the trajectory of athletes, the distinction between amateur and professional competition, and the role of universities in shaping careers.
Dobbs has proven that the line between college and pro ball is now fluid, and athletes can craft careers that are multi-dimensional, legacy-driven, and financially groundbreaking.
Analysts and pundits are already predicting this could pave the way for other former players to explore similar paths. “This is a blueprint,” said NIL expert Darren Rovell. “Dobbs didn’t just return — he built a business model for how athletes can reclaim their narrative.”
Final Thoughts: A Legend Returns to Rocky Top
Joshua Dobbs is more than a quarterback. He’s a symbol. A scientist. A servant-leader. And now, a pioneer.
His decision to return to Tennessee in such spectacular fashion is not only unprecedented — it’s poetic. It is the ultimate expression of loyalty, vision, and courage. For the fans in Knoxville, it’s a dream come true. For the sport itself, it’s a turning point.
As the Tennessee faithful once again echo the words that have defined a generation — “Good ol’ Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee!” — one thing is certain:
Joshua Dobbs is home. And he’s here to make history.
Stay with Rocky Top News for exclusive coverage, behind-the-scenes access, and the latest updates on Joshua Dobbs’ return, Tennessee’s championship pursuit, and the next evolution in college football. ⚪
Leave a Reply