Nate Hobbs Q&A: Packers’ New Cornerback Explains How Rich Bisaccia “Changed My Life” with Raiders
Green Bay Packers’ new cornerback Nate Hobbs sat down for an exclusive interview, shedding light on his transition from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Packers and how his time under special teams coach Rich Bisaccia profoundly impacted his career. The 23-year-old Hobbs, who joined the Packers after a standout rookie season with the Raiders, has become one of the NFL’s most promising young cornerbacks. But it’s not just his play on the field that has earned him praise—Hobbs credits Bisaccia, the veteran coach, for being a guiding force in his development both as a player and as a person.
A Life-Changing Mentor
When asked about his relationship with Bisaccia, Hobbs was quick to express his gratitude. “Rich Bisaccia changed my life, man,” Hobbs said with a smile. “He helped me in so many ways, both on and off the field. He’s not just a coach. He’s a mentor. He’s the kind of guy who pushes you to be your best but also helps you navigate life outside of football. I’ll never forget what he did for me, especially my first year with the Raiders.”
Hobbs, who was drafted by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, didn’t have the smoothest transition into the league. Like many rookies, he faced challenges in adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. However, it was Bisaccia’s approach to coaching that allowed Hobbs to flourish.
Bisaccia’s Impact on Hobbs’ Development
When Bisaccia took over as the interim head coach for the Raiders during the 2021 season, Hobbs said it was a pivotal moment in his career. The Raiders were going through a tumultuous season, but Bisaccia’s steady leadership helped guide the team through adversity. For Hobbs, Bisaccia’s calm demeanor and unwavering belief in his players provided the structure he needed to thrive.
“Rich is always calm, always steady,” Hobbs explained. “He never gets too high or too low. That’s exactly what I needed. He was always in my corner, always telling me to focus on the process, and not get too caught up in the ups and downs. He taught me how to control my mindset and focus on getting better every single day. Honestly, that’s been the biggest lesson I’ve taken with me into my career.”
Hobbs went on to describe how Bisaccia’s influence extended beyond football. “He cares about you as a person first. He always checks in, not just about football, but about life. I’ve been able to talk to him about things outside of football, whether it’s personal struggles or career advice. That’s rare in this league, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
Bisaccia’s mentorship helped Hobbs feel more confident on the field, which translated into impressive performances as a rookie. In his first season, Hobbs tallied 2 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, and 3 tackles for loss, quickly making a name for himself in the Raiders’ secondary. But Hobbs believes the lessons learned from Bisaccia off the field were just as valuable.
The Move to Green Bay
Now, as a member of the Green Bay Packers, Hobbs is embarking on the next chapter of his career. While his departure from the Raiders was bittersweet, Hobbs remains thankful for the impact that Bisaccia had on his development. He has since joined the Packers with a renewed focus, looking to contribute to a team that has made several moves to strengthen its defense.
“I’m excited to be here in Green Bay,” Hobbs said. “This is a new opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. But I’ll always carry the lessons I learned from Coach Bisaccia with me. It’s not just about being a good player. It’s about being a good person, and he showed me how to balance both.”
As Hobbs prepares for his first season with the Packers, there’s no doubt he will continue to rely on the foundation that Bisaccia helped him build. In a league filled with distractions and high expectations, Hobbs’ unwavering focus and perspective will be his guiding principles.
A Lasting Influence
Hobbs’ story is a testament to the power of mentorship and leadership in professional sports. While many players can point to physical coaches or specific training regimens as the key to their success, Hobbs’ relationship with Bisaccia has been a game-changer. It’s a reminder that in an era of flashy media attention and high stakes, the emotional and personal side of the game still holds immense value.
“I’ll always have love for Coach Bisaccia,” Hobbs said with sincerity. “He made me believe in myself when I didn’t always believe in me. I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for me, and I’m excited to show the Packers what I can do.”
As Hobbs looks to build on his early success and continue his growth with the Packers, one thing is certain: the impact of Rich Bisaccia will remain a defining factor in his career for years to come. For Hobbs, the future is bright—and it all started with a coach who helped change his life.