Former NFL Star-Turned-Celebrity Chef Tobias Dorzon Shot in Maryland Robbery Attempt

Tobias Dorzon, a former NFL running back who has transitioned into a successful career as a celebrity chef, was shot during an alleged attempted robbery on Tuesday night in Maryland. Police are now on the hunt for four suspects involved in the incident.

According to authorities, Dorzon and a female acquaintance were attacked as they returned home from dinner. Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, providing some relief amid the alarming news.

Footage obtained by FOX 5 DC reveals the moment a white SUV pulled up behind the Uber carrying Dorzon and the woman. The video captures the chilling moment shots were fired, and Dorzon’s voice can be heard pleading, “Please don’t kill me.”

Although police initially withheld the identities of the victims, Prince George’s County Council member Wanika Fisher confirmed that Dorzon was one of the individuals involved. “I am disheartened and saddened by the news that Prince George’s County restaurant owner Tobias Dorzon was one of two people shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday night in my district,” Fisher stated. She added, “Such a horrible act couldn’t have happened to a better person. I am sending my deepest sympathies to him and the second victim, as well as their families and friends, and I wish them both a speedy recovery.”

Dorzon, 39, is well known in the culinary world, having been named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2023. He owns two popular restaurants in Hyattsville and hosts Timeout With Tobias on ESPN+ and Hulu. His journey from the gridiron to the kitchen has been inspiring; after playing college football at Jackson State University, Dorzon spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans in the NFL, as well as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.

While further updates on Dorzon’s and the woman’s conditions remain pending, the community and fans alike are hopeful for their swift and full recoveries.