Country music fans know Lainey Wilson for her unmistakable voice, bell-bottom style, and chart-topping songs, but in recent years, another name has sparked curiosity among her followers — Devlin Hodges. Nicknamed “Duck” Hodges, the former professional football quarterback gained national attention during his NFL run with the Pittsburgh Steelers before becoming known to many as Wilson’s longtime partner and fiancé.
Their relationship has brought together two very different worlds: country music and professional sports. Yet behind the headlines lies a story rooted in small-town values, persistence, and personal growth. From his football journey to his relationship with one of country music’s biggest stars, many fans want to know: who exactly is Devlin Hodges? Here is everything to know about the former NFL player, his career, personal life, and romance with Lainey Wilson.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devlin Patrick Hodges |
| Known As | Devlin Hodges, “Duck” Hodges |
| Nickname | Duck |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1996 |
| Age | 30 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Kimberly, Alabama, United States |
| Hometown | Kimberly, Alabama |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White/Caucasian |
| Profession | Former Professional Football Player |
| Famous For | Former NFL quarterback and fiancé of Lainey Wilson |
| Sport | American Football |
| Position | Quarterback (QB) |
| High School | Mortimer Jordan High School, Alabama |
| College/University | Samford University |
| College Team | Samford Bulldogs |
| Major Achievement | Winner of the Walter Payton Award (2018) |
| NFL Status | Former NFL Player |
| NFL Team | Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2020) |
| CFL Team | Ottawa Redblacks |
| Playing Style | Accurate passer, calm under pressure, strong football IQ |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Lainey Wilson |
| Engagement Date | February 2025 |
| Marital Status | Not publicly married (as of 2026) |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Residence | Reportedly splits time between Alabama and Tennessee |
| Hobbies | Duck hunting, outdoors, fitness, travel |
| Social Media Presence | Relatively private and selective |
| Known Personality Traits | Humble, grounded, hardworking, supportive |
| Current Focus | Life after football, supporting Lainey Wilson, exploring future opportunities |
Who Is Devlin Hodges?
Devlin Patrick Hodges, widely recognized as “Duck Hodges,” is a former professional football quarterback who played in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama, Hodges built a reputation as an underdog athlete who succeeded through determination and consistency rather than hype.
Although many football fans remember him for stepping into the spotlight during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his path to professional sports was far from traditional. Unlike top quarterback prospects selected early in the NFL Draft, Hodges entered the league as an undrafted player and fought for every opportunity.
Today, he remains in the public eye partly because of his relationship with Lainey Wilson, though his story stands on its own as one of perseverance and resilience.
Early Life and Alabama Roots
Growing up in Kimberly, Alabama, Hodges experienced the kind of football-centered upbringing common across the American South. In many Alabama communities, sports are woven deeply into local culture, and he developed a love for football early.
Friends and coaches from his younger years often described him as disciplined, competitive, and quietly determined. He attended Mortimer Jordan High School, where he played quarterback and quickly emerged as a promising athlete.
However, despite his talent, he was not considered a highly ranked national recruit. Larger college football programs largely overlooked him, which ultimately shaped his mindset. Instead of giving up, he focused on improving his game and proving doubters wrong.
Devlin Hodges’ College Football Career
Success at Samford University
After high school, Hodges committed to Samford University, a smaller private university in Alabama. While some athletes dream of powerhouse football schools, Samford provided him with the chance to develop as a starting quarterback and gain valuable experience.
Over time, he became one of the most successful players in school history. During his years with the Samford Bulldogs, Hodges established himself as a smart and dependable leader.
His statistics reflected impressive consistency. He finished his college career with standout passing numbers, ranking among the university’s top quarterbacks in yards and touchdowns.
Perhaps most notably, he won the Walter Payton Award in 2018, an honor recognizing the most outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). That achievement significantly increased attention from professional scouts.
What Made Him Stand Out?
While Hodges did not possess the overwhelming athletic profile of elite NFL prospects, he succeeded through intelligence and execution. Coaches praised his decision-making, accuracy, and composure under pressure.
Rather than relying solely on physical gifts, he became known for preparation and football IQ. His leadership style also earned respect from teammates, helping him thrive even in high-pressure situations.
Those qualities would later become important during his professional football career.
Why Is Devlin Hodges Called “Duck”?
One of the most interesting things fans often ask is why Hodges is called “Duck.”
The nickname comes from his lifelong passion for duck hunting. Growing up in Alabama, he developed a strong appreciation for outdoor sports and hunting culture. His skills in duck calling reportedly became so impressive that friends and teammates began calling him “Duck.”
The nickname eventually stuck and followed him throughout college football and into the NFL. During his Steelers days, fans embraced the identity, often bringing duck-themed signs and merchandise to games.
In many ways, the nickname reflected his personality — relaxed, authentic, and deeply connected to his Southern roots.
The Journey to the NFL
Going Undrafted
Despite an outstanding college career, Hodges was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. For many players, this would mark the end of their professional dreams.
Instead, he used the disappointment as motivation.
Shortly after the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent. Initially viewed as a developmental quarterback, he faced an uphill battle to make the roster.
Competition was intense, and expectations were modest. Yet Hodges consistently impressed coaches with his work ethic and calm approach.
Breakout Opportunity With the Steelers
Unexpectedly, injuries within Pittsburgh’s quarterback lineup during the 2019 season created an opening.
When veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury, the Steelers suddenly needed reliable backup options. Hodges eventually got his chance.
He stepped into games with surprising confidence, showing poise despite limited experience. Fans quickly rallied behind him, especially because his rise represented a classic underdog story.
His performances helped keep Pittsburgh competitive during difficult stretches of the season.
NFL Career Highlights and Challenges
Although his NFL tenure was relatively short, Hodges left a memorable impression.
During the 2019 season, he started several games and displayed solid accuracy while managing pressure effectively. Analysts praised his composure and ability to avoid costly mistakes.
Still, professional football can be unpredictable. Quarterback competition, roster decisions, and organizational changes made long-term stability difficult.
Eventually, his time in Pittsburgh ended, illustrating the harsh reality many athletes face in professional sports — talent alone does not always guarantee longevity.
Yet his perseverance remained one of the defining themes of his football journey.
Transition to the CFL
After leaving the NFL, Hodges continued pursuing football opportunities.
He later joined the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League (CFL), demonstrating his willingness to adapt and keep competing professionally.
The CFL presents unique challenges, including different field dimensions and offensive systems. Adjusting to those differences requires flexibility and patience.
Though his CFL chapter was not as highly publicized as his NFL stint, it reinforced his reputation as someone unwilling to quit on his ambitions.
For many fans, this persistence made his story even more inspiring.
How Did Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson Meet?
One of the biggest reasons public curiosity around Hodges increased is his relationship with Lainey Wilson.
The pair reportedly met through mutual connections in Nashville, where music and entertainment circles often overlap with sports personalities.
Although they kept things private at first, Wilson later revealed that the relationship developed naturally over time. Their connection reportedly began years before they publicly confirmed their romance.
Fans appreciated the quiet approach. Instead of turning their relationship into constant publicity, they focused on building a genuine bond away from headlines.
Their Relationship Timeline
Going Public
For quite some time, Wilson kept her dating life largely private.
Then, in 2023, the couple officially confirmed their relationship publicly. Fans quickly embraced the pairing, especially after seeing their supportive dynamic at public events.
Wilson occasionally shared sweet moments involving Hodges, while he often appeared cheering her on at performances and award shows.
Despite growing media attention, both maintained boundaries around personal matters.
Engagement Announcement
In February 2025, Wilson announced that she and Hodges had become engaged.
The announcement immediately generated excitement among country music fans and sports followers alike. Photos shared online captured the joyful milestone, highlighting the couple’s happiness.
The engagement reflected years of partnership built on patience and mutual understanding.
As of 2026, the couple remains engaged, though they have continued keeping many wedding plans private.
Why Fans Love Their Relationship
Part of what makes Wilson and Hodges appealing as a couple is how grounded they seem.
Neither appears overly focused on celebrity attention. Instead, their relationship often reflects support, humor, and shared values.
Wilson has openly praised Hodges for his encouragement throughout her demanding career. Touring, recording, and public appearances can create intense schedules, making emotional support especially important.
Likewise, Hodges appears genuinely proud of Wilson’s success, frequently celebrating her accomplishments without seeking attention himself.
This balance resonates strongly with fans.
Life Beyond Football
Professional athletes often face major identity shifts after leaving sports, and Hodges seems to have embraced life beyond football thoughtfully.
Although he remains physically active and connected to sports, he has explored opportunities outside professional play.
His interests include hunting, fitness, outdoor activities, and family life. Friends often describe him as relaxed and easygoing, preferring authentic experiences over celebrity culture.
Because of his football background and leadership skills, some fans speculate he could eventually move into coaching or sports mentorship.
So far, however, he appears focused on enjoying life and supporting Wilson’s busy career.
Devlin Hodges’ Personality and Public Image
Unlike many athletes seeking constant media attention, Hodges has maintained a relatively private image.
In interviews and appearances, he tends to come across as humble and grounded. Rather than emphasizing personal achievements, he often credits teammates, coaches, and family support.
That personality likely complements Wilson’s own relatable public image. Despite growing fame, she is widely known for authenticity and staying true to her roots.
Together, they project a refreshing sense of normalcy despite public visibility.
Strong Family and Southern Values
Another important part of Hodges’ story is his connection to family and hometown values.
He frequently maintains ties to Alabama, where family remains central to his identity. Growing up in a close-knit environment shaped his perspective on loyalty and hard work.
Those same values appear to influence his relationship with Wilson.
Both come from Southern backgrounds and often emphasize gratitude, authenticity, and staying grounded despite professional success.
This shared foundation may explain much of their compatibility.
What Makes Devlin Hodges’ Story Inspiring?
Hodges’ football career may not include championship rings or Hall of Fame records, but it still carries an inspiring message.
He went from overlooked recruit to award-winning college quarterback, then fought his way into the NFL despite going undrafted.
His story proves that persistence matters. Preparation, patience, and resilience allowed him to maximize opportunities when they appeared.
For aspiring athletes, his path offers an important reminder that success does not always happen through traditional routes.
Sometimes determination becomes the defining advantage.
What’s Next for Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson?
As Wilson’s music career continues to grow, fans naturally remain curious about the couple’s future.
Marriage plans have not been fully revealed publicly, but both seem focused on maintaining a strong partnership while balancing busy careers.
Whether supporting Wilson on tour, exploring future professional projects, or building family life, Hodges appears committed to creating stability beyond football.
Given how intentionally they have handled public attention so far, fans can likely expect them to continue sharing meaningful milestones on their own terms.
Conclusion
Devlin Hodges may have first gained national attention as a determined quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but today, many people know him through his relationship with country star Lainey Wilson. Yet his story extends far beyond celebrity headlines.
From humble beginnings in Alabama to winning college honors, earning an NFL opportunity, and building a meaningful relationship in the spotlight, Hodges represents resilience and authenticity. Nicknamed “Duck” for his love of hunting, he remains deeply connected to his Southern roots and grounded values.
While Wilson’s career continues rising, Hodges’ steady support and low-key personality make their partnership especially relatable. Together, they reflect a balance of ambition, humility, and genuine connection that fans continue to admire.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Devlin Hodges?
Devlin Hodges is a former professional football quarterback who played in the NFL and CFL, best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2. Is Devlin Hodges married to Lainey Wilson?
No. As of 2026, Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges are engaged, not publicly confirmed as married.
3. Why is Devlin Hodges called “Duck”?
He earned the nickname because of his passion and skill in duck hunting.
4. Where is Devlin Hodges from?
He was born in Kimberly, Alabama, on April 12, 1996.
5. What college did Devlin Hodges attend?
He played college football at Samford University, where he became one of the school’s top quarterbacks.
6. Did Devlin Hodges play in the NFL?
Yes. He played quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 NFL season.
7. When did Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges get engaged?
The couple announced their engagement in February 2025.
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