LAS VEGAS — Josh Dobbs was seen happily holding a football at his locker Friday night while waiting to be interviewed by the media after the 49ers' 2024 NFL preseason finale against the Raiders.
When Dobbs was asked why the ball was worth keeping, a huge smile broke out across the quarterback's face as he shared where it would end up — in the hands of his mother, Stephanie.
“So, my mom’s birthday is on the 31st,” Dobbs said. “Last week when I scored, I got really excited and threw the ball in the air and forgot to grab it. I always try to get her a touchdown ball if I score around her birthday.
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“So, I went to dinner last night and I said, ‘If I score, I’ll make sure I won’t forget the ball.' So, I had to grab it for her."
Often when players score a touchdown, or even make a huge play, they describe experiencing a “blackout” moment where they lose track of what’s happening around them outside of the play.
That was the case for Dobbs in the 49ers' preseason win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday at Levi's Stadium. It was the end of the first half, and the Tennessee product had put together a 10-play drive down to the 1-yard line.
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On the 11th play, Dobbs faked a handoff to running back Matt Breida and took his chances on scoring himself. With the ball in his hands, the signal-caller had one man to beat — Saints defensive back Jordan Howden.
After a move to the inside to avoid the defender, Dobbs somersaulted into the end zone for the score and flipped the ball into the air in celebration as the 49ers took a 12-7 lead. After his teammates gathered to congratulate the touchdown, Dobbs jogged back to the bench area, empty-handed.
On Friday night, Dobbs orchestrated another 11-play drive down the field. On the final play, the quarterback threaded the needle with a pass between two Raiders defenders to receiver Jacob Cowing for the score.
This time, Dobbs remembered to grab the football, which his mother no doubt will appreciate in just a few days.
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