Nate Hobbs no longer sees being vulnerable as a weakness, but something that holds power.
That's the message the Raiders cornerback conveyed to an intimate crowd at Pearson Community Center in North Las Vegas on Thursday. He spoke on a panel along with three mental health specialists in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Nevada.
Being in this setting would've been extremely uncomfortable for him a few years ago. It was still a bit jarring for him even in the moment, getting emotional numerous times as he reflected on his battles with his mental health. Despite being a starter for the Las Vegas Raiders, he made it clear that he has the same day-to-day pressures and anxiety as anyone else.
"The fact that I'm able to sit in front of plethora of people and tell them about my emotions, that gives me strength," Hobbs said. "I'm willing to put myself out there and still live life. My mom used to always tell me, 'Sometimes you just have to do things scared.'"
Hobbs shared his journey with battling anxiety, stemming from losing his father at a young age and trying to make it in the NFL. Hobbs described himself as someone who always tried to be there for others, even if that meant sometimes neglecting his own needs.
Over the past few years, Hobbs has made addressing his mental health a priority, with the birth his of daughter being a driving factor.
"Everybody deals with mental health, me and you, no matter how well you had it," said Hobbs. "Some people deal with it more than others, some people need real help. If I can be that voice, I will."
Hobbs mother, Denisa, who is a therapist, was also in attendance. When her son was presented with the opportunity to speak at this event, she believed it was a great way to give back to his community and more importantly, to continue putting an end to mental health stigmas in the world of professional sports.
"For us and our family, to talk about feelings and being open and vulnerable is something that we've always done," said Denisa. "I'm super proud of Nathan just because he loves people and community. I'm proud of him for the fact that he does not forget that there are people that can't always reach him, so he'll come to them."
Hobbs' passion to continue reaching out to others stems from not taking his platform for granted. He now finds himself in a position beyond his wildest dreams, and hopes to help others reach the same heights.
"I couldn't see this far," he said in closing in front of an inspired crowd. "Growing up, I saw the NFL on TV and that's about it. It's not that I didn't believe in myself, I just didn't think I would have the opportunity to see myself in that way. So, if you just trust yourself and have faith and courage in yourself in whatever you're doing, especially with your mental health, and seeing yourself on the other side – the sky is the limit."
View team photographer Matt Aguirre's best photos from the catwalk at Allegiant Stadium from the Raiders' 2023 season.

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Justin Herron (71) celebrates on the field during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

The Raiderettes perform on the field during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) sacks the quarterback during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33), cornerback Jakorian Bennett (29) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) make a tackle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) celebrates with wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 32-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Byron Young (93) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.

The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddle during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) celebrates on the field during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95), defensive tackle Byron Young (93) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) dives into the end zone after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) is congratulated after rushing for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate on the field during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) celebrates with defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Malik Reed (52), linebacker Robert Spillane (41), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) celebrates with linebacker Malik Reed (52) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) go to make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) celebrates with cornerback Amik Robertson (21) after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) defend during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) force a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) celebrate after the Raiders recover a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) force a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) calls an audible during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a first down during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.