From Gridiron To Glamour: 5 Shocking Facts About Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges, Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Devlin "Duck" Hodges, the former NFL quarterback who became a cult hero for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is currently making headlines not for his football prowess but for his high-profile engagement to one of country music’s biggest stars, Lainey Wilson. As of late 2025, Hodges has fully transitioned from the gridiron to the glamour of Nashville, cementing his status as one of the most interesting and multi-talented figures in recent sports memory. His life story is a fascinating blend of record-breaking college football, an improbable NFL run, and a surprising second career in the public eye. The biggest news surrounding Hodges came in February 2025 when he and Lainey Wilson announced their engagement after nearly four years of dating, a revelation that brought the retired signal-caller back into the national spotlight. Since retiring from professional football in April 2022, Hodges has focused on his personal life and other passions, leaving his days of scrambling for first downs behind him. This article dives deep into the man behind the "Duck" nickname, exploring his record-shattering football career and his current life as a celebrity fiancé.

Devlin 'Duck' Hodges: Complete Biography and Profile

Devlin Patrick Hodges, known universally by his unique nickname "Duck," has a background as colorful as his career trajectory. His journey from a small-town Alabama kid to an NFL starting quarterback and now a country music power couple member is truly one-of-a-kind.

• Full Name: Devlin Patrick Hodges
• Nickname: Duck
• Date of Birth: April 12, 1996
• Place of Birth: Kimberly, Alabama, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
• Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• College: Samford University
• NFL Draft: Undrafted (2019)
• Professional Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2020), Los Angeles Rams (2021), Ottawa Redblacks (CFL, 2021–2022)
• Career Status: Retired from professional football (Announced April 2022)
• Current Partner: Lainey Wilson (Engaged since February 2025)

The Unexpected NFL Rise of a Duck Calling Champion

Hodges’ professional football career is a story of improbable success, starting as an undrafted free agent who quickly became a fan favorite. His journey from a small Southern Conference (SoCon) school to the bright lights of the NFL is a testament to his tenacity and unique skill set.

College Football History: Breaking an FCS Legend’s Record

Before his NFL days, Devlin Hodges was a prolific passer at Samford University in Alabama, where he played from 2014 to 2018. His performance was nothing short of historic, particularly for a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) player. Hodges concluded his college career by breaking a monumental record: the FCS national record for career passing yards. The previous record of 14,496 yards was held by the legendary Steve McNair of Alcorn State. Hodges surpassed this mark, finishing with 14,584 career passing yards. In his senior season alone (2018), he set a Samford school record with 4,283 single-season passing yards. This incredible production earned him the prestigious Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS, making him a major name in college football circles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Cult Hero

The most memorable chapter of Hodges' career came during the 2019 NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Signed as an undrafted rookie, he was thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries to quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph. His first significant appearance came in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, where he replaced an injured Rudolph. Hodges’ debut as a starter was a Week 6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, making him the first undrafted rookie quarterback in Steelers history to win his first start. He quickly earned a reputation for his fearless play and his signature "Duck" call celebration, which resonated deeply with the blue-collar Steelers fan base. Hodges went on to start six games that season, compiling a respectable 4-4 career record with the Steelers. His best performance came in a 23-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals on December 8, 2019, where he recorded a career-high 117.5 passer rating. Although his time in the NFL was brief, also including a stint with the Los Angeles Rams, his 2019 season remains an unforgettable period for Steelers fans, who embraced the small-school underdog.

Life After Football: Lainey Wilson, Engagement, and the Duck Call

Devlin Hodges formally announced his retirement from professional football in April 2022, after a brief tenure with the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks. His decision marked the end of his career on the field, but it was just the beginning of his life in the spotlight alongside his now-fiancée, Lainey Wilson.

The Lainey Wilson Relationship Timeline

The relationship between the former quarterback and the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year is the biggest story surrounding Hodges in 2025. * 2021: The Start: Hodges and Wilson began dating in 2021 after being introduced through mutual friends in Nashville, Tennessee. Their first date was at a dance hall and saloon. * 2023: Going Public: The couple kept their relationship private for over two years, only making their public debut at the 2023 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in May. * 2025: The Engagement: In February 2025, the couple announced their engagement. They have since been seen together at numerous high-profile events, including the 2025 CMA Awards in November. Wilson has openly discussed their relationship, noting the unique connection between her "Goose" nickname (a playful nod to his "Duck" moniker) and their shared Alabama roots. Hodges’ transition from the intensity of the NFL to supporting his fiancée’s skyrocketing music career has been seamless, making them one of the most talked-about couples in country music.

The Real Reason for the 'Duck' Nickname

While his football career provided the platform, the nickname "Duck" has a much deeper and more unique origin—one that predates his time in the NFL and is a major part of his identity. Devlin Hodges is an accomplished professional duck caller. He is not just an amateur; he is a champion. In 2009, Hodges won the Junior World Championship Duck Caller competition. He has also won the Alabama State Duck Calling Championship. This unique talent and passion for waterfowling is the authentic source of his famous nickname, making him one of the few professional athletes whose moniker is tied to an actual, competitive non-sports skill.

Hodges' Post-Football Life and Legacy

Since retiring, Hodges has embraced a more public life, often appearing with Wilson and sharing glimpses of his life away from the football field. He has discussed his NFL journey and his unique background on various platforms, reflecting on his time with the Steelers as an unforgettable experience. Devlin "Duck" Hodges’ story is a powerful reminder that life’s greatest moments often happen away from the expected path. From breaking an FCS passing record to a dramatic NFL run, to winning a world duck calling title, and now being engaged to a country music superstar, Hodges has certainly lived a life full of surprising twists and turns. His legacy is now split between the sports history books and the celebrity gossip columns, cementing his status as a truly unique figure in American pop culture.