Nate Hobbs had a hell of a run in Las Vegas. The little known cornerback out of Illinois was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 draft (167 overall) and immediately made an impression on the coaches and his teammates. He became a starter as a rookie and never looked back.
For four years, he primarily manned the slot and was the best cornerback on the roster. He was also a popular teammate. Fans loved his rare combination of solid coverage and fearless, instinctual tackling.
You'd have thought that skillset would have made him an asset the new Raiders coaches and front office wouldn't let get away. But come free agency, get away he did. Hobbs left to sign a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal in Green Bay.
The Raiders had plenty of money with which to make such a deal with Hobbs, but for whatever reason that deal didn't happen in Las Vegas and thus Hobbs moved on.
Today he took to social media to thank Raider Nation for their support over his four years in Silver & Black.
Nate Hobbs says goodbye to Raider Nation pic.twitter.com/0LbZiOFmHP
— Q (@RaidersAQ) March 11, 2025
"Once upon a time, you took. chance on a boy from Louisville, Kentucky. West to be exact. He wasn't the biggest recruit. Didn't have almost any hype coming out. Was a nobody in the football world," said Hobbs in his instagram post.
"THANK YOU RAIDER NATION. Thank you for accepting me as your own! The love I received over the last 4 years has been overwhelming. I never ever thought a kid like me from LOUISVILLE would get a chance like the chance I was given. Thank you for believing in me. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be someone's favorite player. You guys made me feel SPECIAL. I'll NEVER FORGET. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! It was a hell of a ride. Raider Nation will forever be in my heart. RAAAIIIDERSSSS!"
It was a joy watching Hobbs play the past four years. He played with heart, passion, and above all, he clearly loved it. Just as much, I'll miss talking to him. He's a real one.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Nate Hobbs gives impassioned thank you to Raider Nation
