Hobbs’ Game-Changing Faith: ‘Jesus Put Me in This Position’ with the Packers
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GREEN BAY (WLUK) — Nate Hobbs is no stranger to hard work, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. Now, as he begins a new chapter with the Green Bay Packers, the 25-year-old cornerback is ready to embrace both the frigid temperatures and a fresh opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.
Arriving in Green Bay, Hobbs greeted the media wearing a beanie—not for warmth, but for fashion. “I got the beanie on but this is fashion,” Hobbs quipped with a smile. A lighthearted moment during his first media availability in his new city, Hobbs quickly acknowledged that he’s in for a change when it comes to the weather. Having spent the majority of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s now preparing to adjust to the cold, with the Packers playing in the elements of Lambeau Field.
“I just got to get acquainted with the cold,” he said, referencing his college days at the University of Illinois, where he experienced harsh winters. “I went to the University of Illinois, so it’s not totally foreign, but it’s going to be an adjustment.”
Hobbs, who was drafted by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, spent four seasons in Las Vegas where he made his mark as a reliable starter. In 51 games, he recorded three interceptions and 19 passes defensed. His move to the Packers comes at a time when the team is in need of a cornerback, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Jaire Alexander.
Signing a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay, Hobbs has found a new home with a fresh sense of purpose. But despite the hefty paycheck, he hasn’t lost sight of where he came from. Reflecting on his journey, Hobbs credited his mother for being his biggest motivator.
“My mother, over there in the corner, she’s been my biggest motivation and biggest motivator and the reason why I’m standing tall in front of you guys today,” Hobbs said, nodding toward his mother. “I’ve seen her never, ever, ever quit. That’s why I am the way I am.”
The financial change is evident, but Hobbs made it clear that his mindset hasn’t shifted. He still sees himself as an underdog, even with a multi-million dollar contract.
“I’m gonna be an underdog if I was getting paid $100 million,” Hobbs declared. “I don’t see any articles or anything out of me being the top corner. Do you? Have you seen, ‘Nate Hobbs is a top corner, Nate Hobbs is top five?’ Nah, so even if I was a $100 million guy, in my heart of hearts, I’m an underdog… Nothing was given to me, everything was taken.”
That mentality has served Hobbs well on his journey to the NFL. He emphasized that respect isn’t given—it’s earned, or as he put it, “taken.”
Hobbs’ decision to join the Packers was one rooted in conviction. He believes Green Bay is a place where players transform into stars. “I think Green Bay is a special place,” he said. “I think Green Bay is a place that a lot of players have transformed and gone from being good players to great players. Hall of Fame players.”
His words reflect the powerful connection he feels with the Packers’ culture. “There’s a lot of special people in this building, and I’m gonna be real with y’all, I haven’t felt this in a long time,” Hobbs shared. “Everybody in the building was genuine. Their approach to this was wholehearted and they just wanted to be better humans and better at their craft.”
It was his conversation with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley that sealed his decision. “We connected mentally and our hard work and how we got here… We were chosen for this job and chosen to be together,” Hobbs said, with gratitude in his voice. “I feel like Jesus Christ put me in this position. He connected all things to work for my good, his good, and everybody in here’s good.”
Looking ahead, Hobbs is open to any role the Packers need him to fill. Whether that’s playing on the outside as a corner or sliding inside to nickel, he’s ready. His versatility gives Green Bay flexibility, and he’s eager to make an impact wherever needed.
“I’m a dawg, so I’m gonna step wherever I step,” Hobbs said confidently. “If they need me to play safety, I’ll play safety.”
As the Packers look to strengthen their defense, Hobbs brings a fresh mindset, faith, and hunger to prove that his best is yet to come. With a new city, new teammates, and a renewed sense of purpose, Nate Hobbs is ready to make his mark in Green Bay.
