Food Network personality and former NFL player Tobias Dorzon has addressed the harrowing November 2024 robbery outside his Maryland home that left him shot 11 times, detailing the attack, the investigation, and his ongoing recovery in a new interview. The chef, known for standout turns on Guy Fieri-led competitions, says he’s focused on healing and getting back to doing what he loves: cooking for fans.
What Happened Outside Dorzon’s Home
Dorzon, 40, says he and his girlfriend, Crystal Swan, had just returned home to Hyattsville, Maryland, after dinner when the night took a violent turn. As their Uber pulled up and he opened the door for Swan, armed men stepped out of a nearby vehicle. In the chaos that followed, Dorzon tried to shield his partner.
"I was trying to cover her and then I started getting hit," he told People, recalling a surreal moment when the world around him suddenly went quiet. He fell to the ground and attempted to crawl to safety, all while unsure if his girlfriend was okay. The uncertainty, he said, was as terrifying as the gunfire itself.
In the seconds after the shooting, Dorzon remembers thinking about survival and the possibility of not making it. He described the chilling moment of seeing people approach after the shots and wondering what would happen next: whether they were coming to finish the job or take what they came for. Above all, he said, he hoped his kids would be okay.
The Robbery & Investigation
The assailants took Dorzon’s Audemars Piguet watch and a diamond necklace, among other items. According to charging documents cited by WJLA, the stolen property was valued at roughly $100,000, and five suspects fled the scene in a stolen car. Despite his injuries, Dorzon managed to FaceTime his brother from the front lawn. A neighbor called 911; after that, he says, the night becomes hazy in his memory.
Authorities have identified one suspect, 21-year-old Devin Demetrius Spivey, who faces 18 charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed robbery, and stalking. Spivey has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney, Brendan Callahan, confirmed to People that a trial is scheduled to begin December 5. The investigation remains ongoing.
Dorzon later woke up in the hospital to devastating initial prognoses. Doctors told him he would likely never walk again after he lost feeling below his left knee. Swan survived the attack and has been by his side throughout an arduous recovery that has included multiple surgeries and extensive rehab.
Recovery, Resilience, and a Return to TV
After two months in the hospital, Dorzon continues to undergo physical therapy three days a week as he rebuilds strength and mobility. He also notes lingering nerve damage, including loss of sensation in one finger following reconstruction. Even so, he emphasizes gratitude and purpose.
"I’m just super grateful to be here, to be in the moment, and to still be able to cook and give people an experience," Dorzon said, adding that creating memorable meals has remained the guiding force of his career.
The chef admits the incident shattered a sense of safety he felt in his hometown. The shock, he explained, was compounded by the fact that he has long viewed himself as someone giving back to the community. The road back has been both physical and emotional, marked by patience, small victories, and the steady support of loved ones.
While the recovery process continues, Dorzon is not stepping away from the screen. After memorable runs on Food Network staples like Guy’s Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions, he’s next slated to appear on Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas, premiering November 5. The holiday-themed showdown brings back favorites from across Food Network’s competitive universe, and Dorzon’s return underscores his determination to keep moving forward.
From the Gridiron to the Kitchen
Before making his name in food media, Dorzon played in the NFL, spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. The grit and focus that defined his football years now fuel his cooking career and, increasingly, his comeback story. As a TV competitor, he’s built a reputation for bold flavors, confident execution under pressure, and a showman’s flair that resonates with fans.
That crossover appeal has made Dorzon a compelling presence on Food Network, where high-stakes formats routinely test culinary skill, timing, and adaptability. His latest public comments align with that ethos: push through adversity, find the next objective, and deliver when the clock is ticking.
For viewers, seeing Dorzon back on screen will carry added weight. His account of the shooting—of quiet moments between the blasts, of calling his brother with what strength he had left, of the long hospital stay—stands in stark contrast to the energy and joy he brings to cooking. It’s a reminder that the personalities who entertain audiences each week often carry real struggles behind the scenes.
Dorzon’s story now bridges all those threads: the terror of the attack, the active criminal case, the day-by-day work of rehab, and a professional life that thrives on competition. As the legal process plays out, he’s choosing to center what brought him to television in the first place—craft, creativity, and giving people great food.
Fans can expect Dorzon to continue sharing updates as he heals, with Swan and his family at his side. For now, the chef is focused on regaining strength, returning to kitchens and sets, and making the most of the opportunities ahead. In his words, being able to cook for others again is the victory that matters most.
