Career
He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Alcorn State. Hughes was a four-year starter at Alcorn State, catching 161 passes for 2,415 yards and 19 touchdowns, despite missing most of the 2005 season because of a shoulder injury.
Kansas City Chiefs
Hughes was signed, and then released, by the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2008 preseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
He was signed to the practice squad the next day. On December 6, 2009 Hughes, playing in place of the injured Jarett Dillard, caught his first career touchdown pass.
lieutenant came against the Houston Texans and was a 35-yard pass from quarterback David Garrard. lieutenant was his only reception in the game.
He was waived/injured on August 8, 2010.
He cleared waivers and was place on injured reserve the following day. After spending the 2010 season on injured reserve, Hughes was waived by Jacksonville on August 1, 2011. Detroit Lions
On August 3, 2011 Hughes was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions.
On September 4, 2012 Hughes was waived by the Detroit Lions.
Nate Hughes is currently a medical student at the University of Mississippi. He is the undisputed star of the current M1 flag football team
They were defeated in the 2015 intramural flag football championship game by the M4 team: The Greatest Show on Turf.