Duck Hodges - From Football Fields To Forever
Devlin Patrick Hodges, known to many as "Duck," is, in a way, a name that has been making some noise, particularly with recent news that has, you know, caught the attention of quite a few folks. This individual, born on April 12, 1996, has a background that mixes the excitement of professional sports with, too it's almost, a rather unique personal talent, and now, a very public relationship. His story, you might say, is one that shows how different parts of a person's life can, somehow, come together in interesting ways.
So, before we get into the details of his life today, it is that, worth remembering that Devlin "Duck" Hodges has a history that includes, for instance, time spent on the football field as a quarterback. He played at the college level and then went on to professional leagues, where he, you know, made some memories. But his path isn't just about throwing a football; it also involves a much earlier achievement that, actually, gave him his famous nickname, something that is, in a way, quite a special part of his identity.
And now, more recently, his personal life has stepped into the spotlight, with news that has, you know, truly delighted many who follow him and his partner. This move from, you know, the intensity of professional sports to, arguably, a very personal milestone shows a different side of him, a side that many are just beginning to get to know. It’s a story, you might say, that keeps adding new chapters, and we’re here to look at some of those key moments that, in some respects, define who Duck Hodges is.
Table of Contents
- Who is Duck Hodges?
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- What Was Duck Hodges' Time in Football Like?
- How Did Duck Hodges Become a Steelers Legend?
- What Came After Duck Hodges' NFL Career?
- Where Did the Nickname Duck Hodges Come From?
- Who is Lainey Wilson's Fiancé, Duck Hodges?
- Life Beyond Professional Sport for Duck Hodges
Who is Duck Hodges?
Devlin Patrick Hodges, a person who, you know, has a rather memorable nickname, "Duck," came into the world on April 12, 1996. He is, essentially, an American who, for a period, worked as a professional football quarterback. His journey in the sport began, naturally, at the college level, where he played for a team known as the Samford Bulldogs. This was, you might say, where he started to show what he could do on the field, laying the groundwork for what would come next in his career. His time there was, in a way, a stepping stone.
After his college days, Devlin Hodges moved on to play professionally, taking on the role of quarterback in the bigger leagues. He spent some time, you know, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he, in some respects, made quite an impression during his single season there. It was a period that, for many fans, was quite something to see. His path in professional football, however, eventually came to an end, with the announcement that his time in the sport, as a whole, was over. This marked, you know, a significant change in his public life, moving him away from the constant spotlight of professional games.
Beyond the football field, Duck Hodges has, you know, another very interesting part to his story, one that actually predates his football fame and explains his unique moniker. This other talent, which we will get to in a bit, connects deeply with his personal interests. More recently, his personal life has become a topic of discussion, particularly with the news that he and Lainey Wilson, a country music artist, announced their engagement. This announcement, which came in February 2025, has, you know, brought a different kind of attention to his life, showing a very personal side of the person known as Duck Hodges.
So, you know, his life is a mix of athletic pursuits, a very specific personal skill, and now, a very public and happy relationship. He is, in a way, a person who has lived through different kinds of experiences, from the competitive world of football to, you know, personal achievements and connections. His story, as we look at it, involves these various threads, all woven together to form the picture of Devlin "Duck" Hodges, the person who, in some respects, has a lot going on in his world.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Here is, you know, a quick look at some of the facts about Devlin "Duck" Hodges, gathered from what is known about him. This table, in a way, helps put some of the pieces together about his background and current situation. It's just a little bit of information, but it helps to get a clearer picture of who he is.
Full Name | Devlin Patrick Hodges |
Nickname | Duck |
Born | April 12, 1996 |
Fiancée | Lainey Wilson |
College | Samford Bulldogs |
Former Professional Teams | Pittsburgh Steelers, Ottawa Redblacks |
Notable Early Achievement | 2009 Junior World Duck Calling Contest Winner |
Current Status | Former Professional Football Quarterback |
So, as you can see from this quick overview, there are, you know, some key facts that stand out about Devlin Hodges. His birth date, his well-known nickname, and the teams he played for are, in a way, central to his public identity. The mention of his fiancée, Lainey Wilson, also points to, you know, a very important part of his life right now. And, of course, that early achievement in duck calling is, arguably, a fun fact that many people find interesting about him. It all paints a picture of a person with, in some respects, a diverse set of experiences.
What Was Duck Hodges' Time in Football Like?
Devlin "Duck" Hodges spent a good amount of his younger years, you know, on the football field, working as a quarterback. His time in the sport began, as is often the case, at the college level, where he played for the Samford Bulldogs. This period was, in a way, where he developed his skills and got ready for the more demanding world of professional football. He was, you know, a college football player before he became a professional one, which is a path many athletes follow. His stats from those college days, and later from his professional career, are available for those who, you know, like to look at such things.
After his college career, Devlin Hodges did, you know, make the jump to the professional ranks. He became an American professional football quarterback, which is, in a way, a dream for many who play the sport. He played for a period, showcasing his abilities on a bigger stage. While his professional career, in terms of its length, might not have been as long as some others, it was, you know, certainly impactful in its own right. He did, for instance, play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that time, as we will get to, was quite something for a lot of people who follow the team.
His time as a professional football player eventually came to an end. It was, you know, announced that his time in the NFL was over, and then, more broadly, that his time in the entire sport was finished. This sort of transition is, in some respects, a common part of an athlete's life, but it always marks a significant change. So, while he is no longer, you know, actively playing professional football, his history as a quarterback is, arguably, a very important part of his story and how many people know him. It was a period, you might say, that defined a significant chunk of his early adult life.
Basically, his journey in football, from college to the pros, shows a person who, you know, pursued a passion and reached a high level in it. The fact that his stats are out there means that, you know, people can still look back at what he did on the field. It’s a record of his efforts and achievements as a quarterback, a role he played for, in a way, a good number of years. And that, you know, is a big part of who Devlin "Duck" Hodges was, and still is, in the public eye.
How Did Duck Hodges Become a Steelers Legend?
For one season, Devlin "Duck" Hodges, the quarterback, was, you know, a rather talked-about figure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's interesting how, you know, a relatively short period can leave such a lasting impression. He, in a way, became a legend during that time, even though his stint with the team wasn't, you know, a long one. This suggests that what he did during that single season was, perhaps, quite memorable for the fans and for the team itself. It's a testament to, you know, the kind of impact a player can have, even if it's for a brief moment in time.
His career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while not, you know, extended over many years, was certainly, you know, a period that people still talk about. The phrase "legend" for one season is, in a way, a powerful description, implying that he did something that truly stood out. It means that, you know, he made a mark that was, arguably, bigger than the duration of his stay. Many players spend years in the league and don't get that kind of recognition, so for Duck Hodges to achieve it in just one season is, in some respects, quite remarkable.
So, the question of how he became a "legend" for the Steelers, even for a short time, really points to, you know, the quality of his play during that specific period. It shows that he had, in a way, a special connection with the team and its supporters, or that he performed in a way that truly captured their attention. His time there was, you know, brief but, apparently, very impactful. It's a part of his story that, you know, often comes up when people talk about his football career, highlighting a specific chapter where he, you know, really shone for a while.
It’s almost as if, you know, that one season with the Steelers cemented his place in the minds of many football watchers, even if his overall NFL career was not, you know, long-lived. That particular period, for instance, became a defining aspect of his professional football journey. It just goes to show that, you know, sometimes it's not about how long you play, but about the impression you leave during the time you are on the field. And for Duck Hodges, that impression with the Steelers was, you know, quite a strong one, indeed.
What Came After Duck Hodges' NFL Career?
After his time in the NFL, Devlin "Duck" Hodges' path in professional football, you know, came to a definite close. It was announced that his time in the NFL was over, and then, more broadly, that his time in the entire sport was finished. This kind of announcement, you know, marks a significant shift for any professional athlete. It means moving on from a life that has, in a way, been centered around intense training, competition, and public performance. So, for Duck Hodges, this meant, you know, stepping away from the professional gridiron for good.
The news of his retirement from professional football was, you know, something that the Ottawa Redblacks announced on a Friday. This particular detail, you know, helps to pinpoint when and how this chapter of his life officially closed. It shows that, you know, even if his NFL career was not long, his journey in the sport continued for a bit longer before he decided to, you know, call it quits entirely. This decision to retire means that, you know, he is no longer actively pursuing a career as a professional football player, which is, in some respects, a big change for him.
So, what came after the football fields for Duck Hodges? Well, his life, you know, shifted focus. While the provided text doesn't, you know, detail every single thing he does now, it does highlight a very important aspect of his current life: his love for duck hunting. This interest, you know, has always been a part of him, even before his football days, and it's something that, in a way, connects to his famous nickname. It suggests that, you know, he has returned to, or perhaps always maintained, a passion outside of the sport that once defined his public persona.
Essentially, his post-NFL life, as far as we know, involves a move away from the professional sports spotlight and, you know, a continued engagement with personal interests. The announcement of his engagement to Lainey Wilson also points to, you know, a very significant development in his personal life after football. So, it's clear that, you know, while one major chapter closed, others have, in a way, opened up, showing a person who is, you know, moving forward with new experiences and relationships outside of the sport.
Where Did the Nickname Duck Hodges Come From?
The nickname "Duck" for Devlin Hodges is, you know, not just a random choice; it actually has a very specific and rather impressive origin. It comes from, you know, his talent in the world of duck calling. At just 13 years old, he, for instance, clinched victory in the 2009 Junior World Duck Calling Contest. This achievement, you know, at such a young age, is quite something and clearly stuck with him, leading to the widely recognized nickname he carries today. It's a part of his story that, you know, many people find fascinating.
So, the name "Duck" is, in a way, a direct link to this early success in a very specialized field. It’s not just a cute name; it’s a badge of honor from a competition where he, you know, truly excelled. This talent for duck calling also, you know, connects directly to his love for duck hunting, which is, apparently, another significant part of his life. It shows that, you know, his interests extend beyond the football field and into the natural world, where he, in some respects, has a very particular skill set.
The fact that he won the Junior World Duck Calling Contest at 13 years old is, you know, a pretty remarkable detail. It means that, you know, long before he was throwing footballs for a living, he was already, arguably, a champion in another arena. This origin story for his nickname is, in a way, something that makes him stand out and gives people a little more insight into who he is as a person. It’s a very personal detail that, you know, has become a very public part of his identity, and it’s a fun fact that, you know, often gets shared when people talk about him.
So, basically, the nickname "Duck Hodges" isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a nod to a real talent and a genuine passion. It’s a reminder that, you know, people often have diverse interests and skills that shape who they are. And for Devlin Hodges, that early victory in duck calling is, you know, a foundational piece of his personal story, one that, in a way, explains a lot about his public persona and, you know, his connection to the outdoors.
Who is Lainey Wilson's Fiancé, Duck Hodges?
Devlin "Duck" Hodges is, you know, now widely known as the fiancé of Lainey Wilson, the country music star. The couple, who have been together for a while, made their engagement public in February 2025. Specifically, the announcement came on Wednesday night, February 12, with the couple sharing, you know, very sweet photos that captured the moment. This news, in a way, brought a lot of attention to their relationship and to Devlin Hodges himself, as many people wanted to know more about the person who, you know, won Lainey Wilson's heart.
Lainey Wilson, who is, you know, quite famous for her song "Heart Like a Truck," has, in a way, found a partner in Devlin Hodges who, you know, certainly isn't causing her any trouble. The phrase "her fiancé isn’t dragging it through the mud" suggests that, you know, he is a good and supportive partner, which is, arguably, a very positive thing. The country singer and the "Yellowstone" star, as she is also known, first introduced her man, Devlin "Duck" Hodges, to the public, and now, you know, their relationship has moved to this exciting next step.
So, for those who follow Lainey Wilson, knowing "everything to know about Lainey Wilson's fiancé" has become, you know, a topic of interest. The information available points to Devlin Hodges as the man who, you know, has captured her affections. Their engagement, which was announced with, you know, those adorable photos, clearly shows a couple who are very happy together. It’s a very public declaration of their commitment, and it has, in a way, put a new kind of spotlight on Devlin Hodges, shifting some of the focus from his past football career to his current personal life.
His connection to Lainey Wilson is, you know, a very significant part of his story right now. He is, in some respects, the man who won the country star's heart, and that is, you know, a pretty big deal in the public eye. The details, like them being "longtime boyfriend" and fiancée, paint a picture of a relationship that has, you know, grown over time and reached a very important milestone. It’s clear that, you know, this partnership is a very central part of Devlin "Duck" Hodges' life today, adding a very personal dimension to his public persona.
Life Beyond Professional Sport for Duck Hodges

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Who Is Lainey Wilson's Boyfriend? All About Devlin 'Duck' Hodges
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Lainey Wilson and Devlin 'Duck' Hodges Walk Hand-in-Hand on 2023 CMAs