Brief Introduction of Devlin Hodges
Devlin Patrick Hodges, widely known as “Duck” Hodges, is a former American football quarterback who carved out a memorable, albeit brief, career in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Hodges is celebrated for his underdog story, rising from an undrafted free agent to a starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 season. His journey is a testament to perseverance and a love for the game that began in his home state of Alabama. Before his professional career, Hodges was a decorated collegiate athlete at Samford University, where he broke numerous passing records and was awarded the prestigious Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Beyond the gridiron, Hodges is also known for his prowess as a duck caller, a skill that earned him his distinctive nickname. Since retiring from football, he has transitioned into a new career in real estate and has gained media attention for his relationship with country music star Lainey Wilson.
Devlin Hodges Overview
| Full Name | Devlin Patrick Hodges |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Kimberly, Alabama, U.S. |
| Profession | Former Professional Football Player, Real Estate Agent |
| Husband/Wife | Engaged to Lainey Wilson |
| Family | Parents: Zane and Amy Hodges; Brother: Duncan Hodges |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Lainey Wilson (Fiancée) |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1 million and $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Devlin Hodges
Devlin Patrick Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama, to Zane and Amy Hodges. Growing up in a small-town environment, Hodges was a multi-sport athlete from a young age, showcasing his talents in baseball as a shortstop, basketball as a point guard, and football as a quarterback. He attended Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, where he was a four-year varsity starter for the football team. During his high school career, he demonstrated the arm talent and leadership that would become hallmarks of his later success. He passed for 4,900 yards and 44 touchdowns in his final three seasons as the team’s starting quarterback. As a senior, he threw for 1,748 yards and 15 touchdowns. His performances earned him recognition, including being named to the Birmingham News All-Metro Honorable Mention team in 2012 and 2013. After graduating from high school, Hodges committed to Samford University to continue his academic and athletic journey, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in sports administration.
Devlin Hodges’s Career
Devlin Hodges’s football career is a compelling narrative of a talented player who consistently defied expectations. His journey took him from a record-breaking collegiate run to the bright lights of the NFL and a brief stint in the CFL.
College Career at Samford
At Samford University, Hodges was a four-year starter and became one of the most prolific passers in FCS history. He was a dominant force in the Southern Conference (SoCon), earning the title of SoCon Offensive Player of the Year for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. The pinnacle of his collegiate career came in his senior year in 2018 when he was awarded the Walter Payton Award, the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. That season, he led the nation in passing yards per game, total passing yards, and total offense per game. Hodges concluded his time at Samford by setting new FCS career records for passing completions (1,310) and attempts (1,896), surpassing the marks set by the legendary Steve McNair. His 14,584 career passing yards also broke McNair’s FCS record.
The NFL Journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite his stellar college career, Hodges went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in May 2019. After being waived during the final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad. An injury to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a subsequent injury to backup Mason Rudolph thrust Hodges into the spotlight. He made his NFL debut on October 6, 2019, against the Baltimore Ravens. The following week, he made his first career start against the Los Angeles Chargers, leading the Steelers to a victory. During the 2019 season, “Duck Mania” swept through Pittsburgh as the rookie quarterback’s unexpected success and charismatic personality captured the hearts of fans. He appeared in eight games as a rookie, starting six, and threw for 1,063 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He was waived by the Steelers in September 2020 but was re-signed to the practice squad for the season.
Stops with the Los Angeles Rams and Ottawa Redblacks
In January 2021, Hodges signed a reserve/future contract with the Los Angeles Rams, though he did not appear in a regular-season game for the team. Later that year, in September, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, signing a three-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). His time in the CFL was brief; he played in four games, completing 16 of 38 passes for 139 yards with one interception. On April 22, 2022, Hodges announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 26.
Devlin Hodges Personal Life & Family
Devlin Hodges comes from a close-knit family in Kimberly, Alabama. His parents are Zane and Amy Hodges, and he has a brother named Duncan, who also played college football as a quarterback for the VMI Keydets. Hodges’s personal life gained significant media attention when his relationship with country music singer Lainey Wilson became public. The couple began dating in 2021 but kept their relationship private for over two years. They made their public debut at the ACM Awards in May 2023. In February 2025, Hodges and Wilson announced their engagement. Hodges has spoken about his faith, identifying as a Catholic Christian. Since retiring from football, he has embraced a career in real estate, working as an agent for Mossy Oak Properties and Myers Cobb Realtors. He also has a passion for the outdoors, particularly duck hunting, which is how he earned his nickname “Duck.”
Awards and Achievements of Devlin Hodges
- Walter Payton Award (2018)
- 3× Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017, 2018)
- 3× First-team All-SoCon (2016, 2017, 2018)
- NCAA FCS career passing yards leader (14,584)
- Inducted into the Samford University Athletics Hall of Fame (2023)
- Alabama State Duck Calling Champion (2018)
- Junior World Duck Calling Contest Champion (2009)
Devlin Hodges Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Devlin Hodges’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This range reflects the varying estimates from different financial sources. His primary income during his playing career came from his NFL and CFL contracts. His NFL career earnings are reported to be approximately $596,564. Since retiring from professional football, Hodges has diversified his income streams. He has ventured into real estate, which contributes to his current earnings through property sales and commissions. Additionally, his public profile has led to endorsement deals and brand partnerships, further bolstering his net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Devlin Hodges’s legacy in football is that of an inspiring underdog who made the most of his opportunities. His unexpected rise from an undrafted free agent to an NFL starting quarterback for a historic franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers resonated with many fans. He demonstrated that with hard work and self-belief, it is possible to achieve one’s dreams, even when the odds are stacked against them. His record-setting career at Samford University left an indelible mark on the program and the FCS as a whole. While his professional career was not lengthy, his impact was significant, particularly during the 2019 NFL season. Beyond football, his transition into a new career path in real estate and his high-profile relationship have kept him in the public eye, showcasing a successful life after professional sports.
Interesting Facts about Devlin Hodges
- His nickname “Duck” stems from his exceptional duck calling abilities; he is a former Junior World Duck Calling Champion and an Alabama State Duck Calling Champion.
- He broke former NFL MVP Steve McNair’s FCS record for career passing yards.
- Hodges was the first quarterback from Samford University to play in the NFL.
- Before focusing on football, he played ice hockey starting at the age of two.
- He and his fiancée, Lainey Wilson, appeared on an episode of Celebrity Family Feud.
Controversies
There are no significant controversies publicly associated with Devlin Hodges’s career or personal life.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@devlinhodges_): Information not disclosed
- Twitter (@DevlinHodges10): Information not disclosed
- YouTube: Not publicly available
Final Words about Devlin Hodges
Devlin Hodges’s story is a remarkable one, defined by both his athletic achievements and his character. His journey from a small town in Alabama to the pinnacle of college football at the FCS level, and then to the NFL, is a source of inspiration. Though his professional football career was shorter than many, he left a lasting impression with his tenacity and unexpected success. Today, Hodges has successfully transitioned into a new phase of his life, building a career in real estate and preparing for his marriage to Lainey Wilson. His legacy is not just about the records he broke or the games he won, but also about the journey of a determined individual who embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. The “Duck” may have retired from the gridiron, but his story continues to be one of passion, perseverance, and personal fulfillment.