KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tuesday marked 9 years since Zaevion Dobson was killed shielding his friends from gunfire. In the days after his death, the Knoxville community mourned the 15-year-old Fulton High School football player, and his story became a rallying cry for violence prevention and a national symbol of heroism.
His mother, Zenobia Dobson, also emerged as a strong advocate, calling for leaders to take action to save the lives of other kids and community members from gun violence. She also created a foundation to uplift the Knoxville community.
Former United States president Barack Obama was among the leaders who praised the selfless action of Zaevion. His mom said that during the time of Zaevion's passing, he was working hard on the field and classroom.
Zenobia said her son dreamed of playing for a school in the Southeastern Conference. She said Zaevion even went as far as creating his own "playbook" — just like every coach does.
"He wrote his own game, the 'Xs' and 'Os' of the game," she said. "He wanted to coach. He loved the game of football."
Zenobia said Zaevion had the discipline, focus and determination to make it to a D1 school. She said he admired Alabama's team with Nick Saban coaching, and said that the team's drive led him to cheer for one of Tennessee's biggest rivals.
"They were competitive in Tennessee. So they really enjoyed watching," she said.
On his high school football team, Zaevion wore "24" on his jersey and Zenobia said he was a natural at playing defense. The sport was innate for Zaevion. His mom said he began playing the sport as a toddler.
"Laying them flat, pancakes style. he loved to make the tackles and made sure he stopped touchdowns," she said.
She also said football was his family's "love language," and he would often play against his two brothers. Of three children, he was the youngest.
"The competition was at another level with these two," she said, referring to Zaevion and his brother. The duo both played for Fulton.
Nine years after he was shot and killed, Zenobia said she still finds stillness and healing in Zaevion's pictures, jerseys and belongings.
She continues Zaevion's legacy and story through the Zaevion Dobson Memorial Foundation. There's also a scholarship on his behalf at Fulton High School that's awarded every year to a senior. Knox County leaders also dedicated Jan. 24 as Zaevion Dobson Day. Zenobia also continues her work through groups like Mothers of Missions Survivors.