Devlin Hodges - A Look At The Former Football Player
Devlin Patrick Hodges, a name that might sound familiar to those who follow American football, and certainly to fans of country music, has been making headlines recently. Known by many as "Duck," a nickname that, is that, really hints at a part of his life away from the gridiron, he has stepped into a new chapter. He was, in a way, a professional football quarterback for a time, a person who played the game for a living, and now he is preparing for a different kind of life event, one that has captured quite a bit of public interest.
This individual, who came into the world on April 12, 1996, made a name for himself playing college football for the Samford Bulldogs, and then, for a brief yet memorable period, found himself in the big leagues. His journey through the sport had its moments, with some really bright spots, particularly during his time with a certain team. Yet, his story, as we see it, is not just about what he did on the field; it also involves personal connections and choices made after his playing days wrapped up.
So, as a matter of fact, many people are now quite curious about what Devlin Hodges is doing these days, especially with the recent happy news that has been shared. This piece will explore his past as a player, why he decided to step away from the game when he did, and, perhaps most notably, his very public connection to a well-known country music star. We will, you know, try to put together a picture of who this person is, both then and now.
Table of Contents
- Who is Devlin Hodges?
- Devlin Hodges - Personal Details
- What was Devlin Hodges' Football Journey Like?
- Why did Devlin Hodges Step Away from the Game?
- What's the Story with Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson?
- How Did They Keep Their Relationship Quiet?
- Beyond the Field - What Else About Devlin Hodges?
- The "Duck" Nickname - A Fun Fact About Devlin Hodges
- Devlin Hodges' Life Now
Who is Devlin Hodges?
Devlin Patrick Hodges, a person who, actually, came into the world on April 12, 1996, has a background rooted in Kimberly, Alabama. It was there, in that particular place, that he spent his younger years and went to Mortimer Jordan High School. From a rather early age, it was pretty clear that he had a strong liking for the sport of football. This early display of interest, in a way, truly set the stage for what would become his path in the years that followed.
His dedication to the game continued as he moved on to college. He took part in college football for the Samford Bulldogs, which, you know, gave him a platform to keep playing and developing his skills. This period of his life was an important stepping stone, building upon the foundation he had established during his high school days. It was here that he continued to refine his abilities as a quarterback, the person responsible for throwing the ball and leading the team's offense, more or less getting ready for bigger things.
Devlin Hodges - Personal Details
For those who are curious about some of the more specific details concerning Devlin Hodges, here is a quick look at some key facts about his life and career, as a matter of fact, gathered from various sources.
| Full Name | Devlin Patrick Hodges |
| Known As | Duck |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1996 |
| Grew Up In | Kimberly, Alabama, USA |
| High School | Mortimer Jordan High School |
| College Team | Samford Bulldogs |
| Past Professional Role | Football Quarterback |
| Former NFL Team | Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Lainey Wilson |
What was Devlin Hodges' Football Journey Like?
Devlin Hodges, for a time, was a professional football quarterback, meaning he played the sport for a living. He was, you know, a part of the National Football League, which is the highest level of professional American football. His time in the NFL, while not especially long, had some moments that people certainly remember. He was, in some respects, with the Los Angeles Rams, but it was his period with the Pittsburgh Steelers that really stood out to many, even if it was just for one season.
During his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Devlin "Duck" Hodges was, apparently, quite the memorable player. People even called him a "legend" for that particular stretch, which, honestly, says quite a bit about the impact he had. He wore the number 6 for the Steelers, which, actually, made him the second starting quarterback for that team to have that number. The last player to wear it, as a matter of fact, was a punter in a preseason game, so it was a rather unique situation for a quarterback.
But then, quite suddenly for some, his time playing in the big league came to an end. The text mentions that his days playing for the NFL were over, and then, you know, his time in the entire sport, too, was done. This decision to step away from professional football, especially at an age when many players are just hitting their stride, was something that definitely caught attention. It was, arguably, a surprising turn for someone who had shown such promise and had, in fact, been called a legend by some during his playing days.
Why did Devlin Hodges Step Away from the Game?
One of the questions that, naturally, came up for many people was why Devlin Hodges chose to stop playing professional football at the age of 26. This age, for many athletes, is often considered a time when they are, in a way, getting to their best performance years. The text points out that he left the game when he was, seemingly, getting to his prime, which makes his decision to retire from the professional sport, you know, even more curious to some observers.
The Ottawa Redblacks, a Canadian football team, were the ones who, basically, announced his retirement from professional football. This meant that his journey as a player was finished. While the specific, detailed reasons for his departure at such a relatively young age are not fully laid out in the provided information, the fact remains that he made the choice to step away from the physical demands and public life of being a professional athlete. It shows, perhaps, a desire for something different in his life, or, you know, a shift in his priorities, which is something many people experience.
What's the Story with Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson?
Now, moving from the football field to a much more personal story, Devlin Hodges has, you know, been in the news quite a bit recently because of his relationship with country music star Lainey Wilson. These two individuals have, apparently, been together for some time now. Reports indicate that their relationship started around 2020 or 2021, and they managed to keep their connection, as a matter of fact, just between themselves for a good couple of years, which is quite a feat in the public eye.
The big news that, literally, made headlines was their engagement. Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges made public their plans to tie the knot in February 2025. This exciting announcement was shared, as you know, through an Instagram post that was full of really sweet pictures, showing the moment he asked her to marry him. Lainey Wilson, who is, you know, a very popular country music singer, shared her happy news on a Wednesday, posting photos of the special occasion.
The relationship between Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges has, actually, been a topic of conversation, especially since it became public. They have been seen together at events, such as the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 21, 2024, and also on November 8, 2023, in Nashville. These appearances, you know, gave people a glimpse into their connection. When Lainey Wilson spoke about Devlin Hodges to Billboard, she, basically, mentioned some details about him, hinting at the depth of their bond. She has also, as a matter of fact, shared the lovely tale of how he asked her to marry him and given an update on how the preparations for their big day are coming along.
How Did They Keep Their Relationship Quiet?
It's quite interesting to consider how Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson managed to keep their relationship, you know, a secret for nearly two years. In a world where famous people's lives are often widely discussed, choosing to keep their connection just between themselves for such a long period is, honestly, rather remarkable. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that they had been together since 2021, and they indeed kept things private for quite some time.
This decision to maintain a quiet relationship for a good while before sharing their news with the public, in a way, speaks to their desire for privacy. It allowed them to build their connection away from the constant attention that often comes with being a public figure. Lainey Wilson, who is, actually, hands down one of the most well-known women performing in the country music business right now, with her career really taking off, still managed to keep this significant part of her life out of the spotlight for a considerable period. This, you know, shows a certain level of intentionality in how they approached their personal lives.
Beyond the Field - What Else About Devlin Hodges?
Beyond his time as a football player and his current very public relationship, there are, you know, some other interesting facts about Devlin Hodges. One of the most widely known details about him is his nickname, "Duck." This special name is not just a random thing; it comes from his real love for duck hunting. It’s a part of who he is, a hobby that, apparently, has been significant enough to become his widely recognized moniker. This connection to duck hunting is, in a way, a fun piece of information about him, offering a glimpse into his life away from the structured world of professional sports.
He was, as a matter of fact, born and grew up in Kimberly, Alabama, USA, which is where he first showed his strong liking for football. While his professional football career might have been relatively brief, the impact he had, especially with the Steelers, is still talked about by some. His journey, you know, from a young person with a passion for a sport to a professional player, and then to someone who chose to step away from that life, shows a path with distinct phases. It's clear that his interests extend beyond just the football field, as evidenced by his long-standing nickname.
The "Duck" Nickname - A Fun Fact About Devlin Hodges
The nickname "Duck" for Devlin Hodges is, you know, quite a memorable one, and it certainly adds a bit of character to his public persona. It’s not just a casual name; it is, apparently, deeply tied to his interest in duck hunting. This activity, in a way, highlights a personal side of him that exists outside of his professional accomplishments. It’s a hobby that he, arguably, holds dear, enough so that it became the special name by which many people, especially football fans, came to know him. This little detail, actually, helps to paint a more complete picture of the person.
Devlin Hodges' Life Now
With his professional football career now in the past, Devlin Hodges’ life has, naturally, taken a different direction. While the provided information doesn't go into extensive detail about what he is doing day-to-day since stepping away from the sport, it is quite clear that a major focus for him right now is his personal life and his upcoming marriage to Lainey Wilson. The news of their engagement, which was, you know, shared with the world in February 2025, marks a significant new chapter for him.
He is, basically, no longer playing professional football, and his time in the sport itself has, apparently, come to an end. This means his focus has shifted from the demanding schedule and physical nature of being a professional athlete. Instead, the public attention around Devlin Hodges is, in some respects, centered on his relationship with the country music sensation. The fact that Lainey Wilson has spoken about the story behind his proposal and given updates on their wedding plans, you know, suggests that this new phase of his life is very much about building a future with his partner. It’s a big change from the stadium lights and cheering crowds, moving more towards a life that, arguably, offers different kinds of fulfillment.
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Devlin Hodges Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images
