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

The NFL defensive back signed a four-year, $48 million, deal with the Packers ahead of the 2025 season. He joins Green Bay after spending four years with the Las Vegas Raiders to begin his pro 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 feel like it’s all about how you approach the day, every day,” Hobbs said on Tuesday. “I could come into the building and be like, ‘Oh, I got to do rehab.’ Or I can come to the building like, attack this rehab, pay attention to these meetings and get ahead. Like I said, it’s all a test. God is going to test you before he give you whatever he wants to give you. That’s how I look at it.”

Reports called the surgery a ‘minor procedure’ and ESPN says although Hobbs will miss the remainder of training camp/preseason, it’s possible he could return in time for the Packers’ season opener against Detroit on Sept. 7.

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