The $250,000 Ring: Lainey Wilson Is Engaged To Ex-NFL Star Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges—All The Details You Missed

The question that has dominated country music fan forums and celebrity gossip sites for months has a definitive answer: Lainey Wilson is officially engaged. As of today, December 11, 2025, the "Bell Bottom Country" sensation is set to marry her longtime partner, former NFL star Devlin "Duck" Hodges. The surprise announcement, which came in February 2025, sent shockwaves through Nashville, confirming a relationship that the famously private couple had kept largely out of the spotlight for years. This article dives deep into the profile of her fiancé, the timeline of their secret romance, and the dazzling details of her engagement ring.

The news is particularly fresh, as the couple has recently had to address and debunk a flurry of AI-generated rumors suggesting they were already married or expecting a baby, proving that public fascination with this powerhouse pairing is at an all-time high. From a secret meeting in a Nashville saloon to a high-profile red carpet debut, here is everything you need to know about the man who put a ring on the reigning queen of country music.

Lainey Wilson: A Quick Look at the Country Queen's Profile

Before diving into the details of her fiancé, it’s essential to understand the meteoric rise of the woman at the center of this story. Lainey Denay Wilson has become one of the most celebrated and dominant forces in country music.

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• Full Name: Lainey Denay Wilson
• Born: May 19, 1992
• Hometown: Baskin, Louisiana
• Signature Style: "Bell Bottom Country" (a blend of traditional, classic, and Southern rock-infused country music)
• Career Start: Moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2011, living in a camper trailer for years while pursuing her dream.
• Breakthrough Album: *Bell Bottom Country* (2022)
• Major Awards & Honors:
  • Grammy Award Winner
  • Multiple CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year)
  • Multiple ACM Awards
  • Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry
• Acting Career: Played the role of Abby on Season 5 of the hit television series *Yellowstone*.

Wilson’s authenticity and powerful voice have cemented her status as a generational talent, making the news of her engagement to a professional athlete all the more intriguing to her massive fanbase.

Who is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Lainey Wilson's Fiancé Profile

The man who successfully captured Lainey Wilson’s heart is Devlin "Duck" Hodges, a former professional football player who has since transitioned into a successful career in real estate. His background is as unique as Lainey’s, blending the grit of the NFL with the Southern charm of the real estate world.

From Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback to Real Estate Mogul

Devlin Hodges earned his fame on the football field long before he stepped onto a country music red carpet. He played college football at Samford University, where he set numerous records. His most notable professional stint was in the National Football League (NFL) as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Hodges quickly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, often celebrated for his unexpected success as an undrafted free agent. His professional football journey also included time with the Los Angeles Rams and the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League (CFL), before he decided to retire from the sport at a young age to pursue other passions.

After leaving football, Hodges successfully transitioned into the world of real estate. He currently works as an agent with firms like Mossy Oak Properties and Myers Cobbs Realtors, leveraging his extensive network and business acumen. This career change shows a drive and adaptability that clearly resonated with the hardworking country star.

The Origin of the Nickname 'Duck'

The nickname "Duck" is a key part of Devlin Hodges' identity and is often mentioned alongside his name. The moniker originated from his deep passion for duck hunting, a hobby he has enjoyed since childhood. This love for the outdoors and Southern traditions is a strong common thread that connects him with the Louisiana-born Wilson.

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The Secret Romance: Lainey and Duck's Relationship Timeline

Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges managed to keep their relationship a secret for nearly two years, a remarkable feat in the age of social media. Their journey from a quiet first date to a public engagement is a testament to their desire to build a strong foundation away from the glare of the public eye.

• 2021: The Secret Start. The couple first met in 2021 through mutual friends in Nashville. Their first date was at a local dance hall and saloon, a perfectly fitting location for a country singer and a Southern athlete. They began dating shortly after, keeping their romance completely private.
• May 2023: The Red Carpet Debut. After nearly two years of dating in secret, the couple made their official public debut at the 58th ACM Awards. Hodges accompanied Wilson on the red carpet, instantly confirming the long-running rumors of her new relationship. Wilson famously joked about his signature look, saying, "He's been wearing a cowboy hat for years, but he's been duck hunting, not country music-ing."
• February 2025: The Engagement Announcement. The thrilling news broke in early 2025 when Lainey Wilson took to social media to announce that Hodges had proposed. The announcement confirmed that the couple was officially engaged after nearly four years of dating.
• The Ring: A Dazzling Detail. While the proposal details were kept private, sources close to the couple confirmed that the engagement ring is a spectacular piece of jewelry. Reports indicate the dazzling ring is worth an estimated $250,000, reflecting the significance of this commitment.

Addressing AI-Generated Wedding Rumors

In the wake of their engagement, the couple has been forced to deal with the darker side of internet fame. In the latter half of 2025, a wave of AI-generated content and deepfake videos began circulating, falsely claiming that Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges were already married or that Wilson was pregnant.

The couple addressed these "wild" rumors head-on with a humorous video, confirming that while they are happily engaged, they are not yet married and are not expecting a baby. This incident highlights their commitment to controlling their own narrative and maintaining a sense of humor despite the intense public scrutiny that now follows them.

What’s Next for Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges?

As of December 2025, Lainey Wilson is enjoying one of the busiest periods of her career, balancing her headline tours, major award show appearances (including co-hosting the CMA Awards), and new music releases. Devlin Hodges continues his successful work in real estate, supporting his fiancé while maintaining his own professional life.

The engagement marks a beautiful new chapter for two individuals who found love outside of their high-pressure careers. Fans are eagerly anticipating a glimpse of the wedding planning process, but knowing the couple's history of privacy, their eventual wedding is likely to be a carefully guarded, intimate affair. For now, the country music world celebrates the union of the "Bell Bottom Country" icon and her former NFL star fiancé, a true power couple in the making.