Josh Dobbs Players' Tribune article "Goodbye, Tennessee"

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Growing up, I looked up to several quarterbacks across the country. As I considered attending Tennessee, my list of role models grew: Condredge Holloway, the first black starting QB at Tennessee and in the SEC, who paved the way for me and so many others; the greatest QB of all time, Peyton Manning; Heisman Trophy runner-up Heath Shuler; and national championship winner Tee Martin, to name a few.

Kids come up to me now and tell me they want to be like me when they grow up. I can’t even describe how humbling that is, and it makes the work I do in the community — spending time with my buddy AJ Cucksey, who is battling cancer; meeting with kids who, like me, have alopecia; and helping Beads of Courage, which honors children who are facing serious illnesses — all the more important.

I am most grateful for all of the positive influences in my life, because there is so much negativity in the world. My faith has taught me that my life is about more than just myself. Helping someone else to have a better day or improving how they feel about themselves keeps me grounded. For me, being able to give back in a positive way is incredibly satisfying.

Whatever the next chapter of my life may hold in store, I’m committed to being a positive influence in my community and to those around me — and hopefully continuing to make Tennessee proud.

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It’s been a thrilling ride, with some ups and some downs. And I’m sad it’s coming to an end — like any kid on his favorite roller coaster.

That Hail Mary against Georgia was the wildest finish I’ve ever been a part of. No question. Nothing comes close. It was astonishing, incredible, unreal.

But I wouldn’t say it was unbelievable, because we — me and my brothers on Team 120 — always believed in each other.

It’s pretty clear. If you are dedicated, and put in the time and effort, you can accomplish anything — even complete a game-winning Hail Mary with no time left on the clock.

You taught me that, Tennessee, and I thank you.

Go Vols!

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