GREEN BAY (WLUK) — Nate Hobbs appeared at his initial media session in Green Bay sporting a beanie, though the new Packers cornerback confessed it was more of a fashion statement than a necessity. “I’ve got the beanie on but it’s all about style,” Hobbs remarked with a grin, gesturing to his head.
With temperatures reaching the 60s, which is unusual for early March in Green Bay, Hobbs will soon have to acclimate to colder weather, particularly since he’s transitioned from playing in an indoor stadium. “I need to get used to the cold. I went to the University of Illinois, so,” Hobbs noted.
Hobbs was picked by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During four seasons in Las Vegas, the 6-foot, 195-pound corner started in 38 of the 51 games he played, recording three interceptions and defending 19 passes.
The Packers needed to bolster their cornerback position this offseason, as Jaire Alexander’s future with the team is still up in the air. At 25, Hobbs inked a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers, humorously noting that his current salary far exceeds the $25,000 income his mother used to raise four children.
“My mother, standing over there, has been my greatest inspiration and the driving force behind my success today,” Hobbs shared. “I watched her persist without ever giving up, and that’s shaped who I am.” Despite his newfound financial stability, Hobbs insists he remains an underdog. “I’d still consider myself an underdog even with a $100 million contract because I don’t see articles naming me a top corner.
Have you seen ‘Nate Hobbs is a top corner, Nate Hobbs is top five?’ No, so even with a $100 million, at my core, I’m an underdog… I had to fight tooth and nail to get here. Nothing was handed to me; I earned it all. There are two ways to gain respect: earn it or seize it. I prefer seizing it. I’ll be an underdog until the end,” Hobbs stated.
Regarding his choice to join Green Bay, Hobbs is confident he made the right move in free agency. “Green Bay is a special place. Many players have evolved from good to great here, even Hall of Famers,” Hobbs expressed. “There are many special people in this organization, and honestly, I haven’t felt this in a long time. Meeting everyone here, I found them to be genuine, with a wholehearted approach, striving to become better people and excel at their craft.”
Hobbs mentioned having an extensive conversation with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for “about three hours straight” on Thursday, where they found common ground. “We bonded over our mindset and dedication… We were chosen for this role and to work together,” Hobbs said. “I believe Jesus Christ placed me here, ensuring all things align for my benefit, his benefit, and everyone else’s benefit.”
Hobbs might join his former Raiders teammate Keisean Nixon to form the Packers’ two starting outside corners next season or play inside as a nickel corner. However, with it being only March 14, Hobbs is not concerned about these decisions just yet.
