GREEN BAY, Wis. (WCIA) – It’s less than ideal timing for Illinois alum Nate Hobbs.

The NFL defensive back inked a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers for the 2025 season. He arrives in Green Bay following a four-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the start of his professional career.

However, Hobbs’ first season in the NFC North took an unexpected turn when he found out he had a meniscus tear on Friday. He had surgery on Saturday.

Despite the unfortunate injury, and even less fortunate timing, the former Illini maintains a positive attititude.

“I believe it’s all about your approach each day,” Hobbs mentioned on Tuesday. “I could walk into the facility thinking, ‘Oh, I have to do rehab.’ Or I could approach it with energy and determination, attacking the rehab, focusing on the meetings, and staying ahead. Like I mentioned, it’s all a test. God will test you before giving you what he intends. That’s my perspective.”

Reports have described the surgery as a ‘minor procedure,’ and according to ESPN, while Hobbs will miss the rest of the training camp and preseason, there’s potential for him to be back in time for the Packers’ season opener against Detroit on September 7.

Hobbs played at Illinois from 2017-2020, racking up three interceptions and 12.5 tackles for loss across four seasons.