Duck Hodges - A Look At The Former Football Player

Have you ever heard a name that just makes you curious, that makes you wonder about the person behind it? Well, that's how a lot of folks feel about Devlin Hodges, better known to many as "Duck." He's a fella who made a mark in the football world, particularly as a quarterback, and his path has taken some interesting turns since his days on the field. From setting some pretty big records in college to a brief but memorable stint in the professional leagues, his story is, you know, quite a ride. These days, he's found a different kind of success, all while keeping a rather private personal life that has, just lately, come into the public eye.

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This person, Devlin Hodges, got his unique nickname, "Duck," way back when he was playing college football at Samford University in Alabama. It's a name that has stuck with him, and it's almost become more famous than his given name. People often wonder where such a fun nickname came from, and there's a good tale behind it, as shared by someone close to him. His journey from a college star to a professional athlete, and then into new pursuits, shows a kind of determination and a knack for different things.

More recently, Devlin "Duck" Hodges has been in the news for something a little different from football. He's connected to a well-known country music artist, Lainey Wilson, and their relationship has certainly caught the attention of many. Their story, too, is a bit of a quiet one that blossomed away from the spotlight for a while before they decided to share it with the world. It’s pretty neat how his life has moved from throwing passes on a field to supporting someone else's creative path, all while building something new for himself.

Table of Contents

• The Story of Devlin "Duck" Hodges
• Who is Devlin "Duck" Hodges? - Personal Details
• What Made Duck Hodges Stand Out in Football?
• How Did Duck Hodges Get His Nickname?
• What Happened to Duck Hodges' Football Career?
• Duck Hodges' Life Beyond the Field - Real Estate and More
• How Does Duck Hodges Inspire Lainey Wilson's Music?
• The Public Relationship of Duck Hodges and Lainey Wilson

The Story of Devlin "Duck" Hodges

Devlin Hodges, a fella many know as "Duck," is a person who once played quarterback in the National Football League. He spent some time with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Ottawa Redblacks. Before he even got to the pros, he was quite a player in college. At Samford University, which is a school in the Football Championship Subdivision, he really made a name for himself. He set a good number of school records there, showing off his skills and talent. In 2018, he even earned a very special honor, receiving the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the best offensive player in his division. That award is a pretty big deal for a college football player, and it speaks volumes about his abilities on the field.

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His time playing football, both in college and for a short bit as a professional, was marked by his dedication to the game. He's a person who put in the work, and it showed in his performances. People who watched him play could see that he had a certain something, a way of moving and playing that was quite his own. After his college days, he got a chance to play at the highest level, which is what many young athletes dream of. It's quite something to go from setting records at a university to being on an NFL team, even if it was just for a short period.

Beyond the football field, Devlin Hodges has a life that shows a lot of different interests and skills. He’s not just a former athlete; he’s someone who has moved into new areas, showing that he’s adaptable and willing to try new things. His story, you know, is about more than just sports. It’s about someone who has pursued various passions and found ways to make a contribution in different settings. It's rather interesting to see how people transition from one big part of their life to another, and he certainly has done that.

Who is Devlin "Duck" Hodges? - Personal Details

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Devlin "Duck" Hodges, to give you a better idea of the person:

What Made Duck Hodges Stand Out in Football?

Devlin Hodges, or "Duck" as he's widely known, truly showed his abilities during his college football days. At Samford University, he was a player who really shone, setting several records in the Football Championship Subdivision. These records aren't just numbers; they represent a level of play that few achieve. He was a very productive quarterback, throwing for a lot of yards and helping his team win games. His performance was so good, in fact, that in 2018, he was given the Walter Payton Award. This award is basically like the Heisman Trophy for players in his division, recognizing the very best offensive talent. So, it's almost like saying he was the top guy in his league, which is a pretty big compliment for any athlete.

His time in the NFL, though brief, also had some moments that made people take notice. For one season, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and during that time, he became a bit of a fan favorite. He had a way of playing that was, you know, exciting to watch. Even though his professional football career didn't last for many years, the fact that he made it to that level and had some memorable games speaks to his skill and determination. He played for a few different teams, including the Rams and the Redblacks, showing he was willing to go where the game took him. In his career, he managed to score five touchdowns, which is a good number for a quarterback, especially one who didn't play for a long time in the pros.

What truly made him stand out was perhaps his spirit and his ability to perform under pressure, even if his time in the big leagues was limited. He was a college legend, and that kind of success doesn't just happen by chance; it comes from a combination of natural ability and a lot of hard work. It’s pretty clear that he poured a good bit of himself into the sport, leaving a definite mark on the college game and even getting a taste of the professional world.

How Did Duck Hodges Get His Nickname?

The story behind Devlin Hodges getting his nickname, "Duck," is a pretty fun one, and it's one that has stuck with him ever since his college days. He got this name while he was playing football at Samford University in Alabama. It wasn't something he picked for himself; rather, it was given to him by someone who saw something in him. As a matter of fact, the story of how he got the nickname was shared by Lainey Wilson, his fiancé, during an appearance on a popular radio program, the Bobby Bones Show.

She explained that his college football coach was the one who gave him the name. The coach saw something special in him, something that made him stand out. Lainey shared that his coach apparently told him something along the lines of, "you're one of the best quarterbacks I've ever worked with." It seems that this compliment, or perhaps something about his playing style or personality, led to the nickname "Duck." It’s a pretty unique way to get a name, isn't it? It just goes to show how people around you can sometimes give you a label that fits you perfectly.

And, you know, it's not just a random name. It turns out that Devlin Hodges is also a very enthusiastic duck hunter. He's actually quite good at it! In 2009, he even won a world championship duck calling contest. So, the nickname "Duck" seems to fit him in more ways than one, which is kind of neat. It’s almost like fate played a hand in giving him a name that connects to both his athletic past and a personal passion. It’s a name that has followed him, and it's become a part of who he is, so to speak.

What Happened to Duck Hodges' Football Career?

Devlin "Duck" Hodges had a very memorable, if short, time in the National Football League. For one season, specifically in 2019, he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he became quite a popular figure among the team's supporters. He played quarterback and, for a little while, he was a pretty big deal for the team. People were talking about him, and he certainly made an impression. However, his time playing professional football didn't last for many years. It was a relatively quick period in the big leagues.

After that particular season, it seems that Devlin Hodges' time in the NFL came to an end. And, you know, it wasn't just his time in the NFL; it was also the end of his playing career in the sport altogether. He last played in 2019, which means he decided to step away from the game at a relatively young age for a professional athlete. This kind of decision, to leave a sport that has been such a big part of one's life, is often a very personal one, and it shows a willingness to move on to other things.

During his professional football career, Devlin Hodges managed to score five touchdowns. While that might not sound like a huge number compared to some of the very long-tenured quarterbacks, it represents the points he helped his teams put on the board during his playing days. It’s a testament to the fact that he was able to perform at that level, even if his tenure was brief. His journey in football, from a standout college player to a professional, shows a person who chased his dreams and made it to the highest stage, even if just for a short but impactful period.

Duck Hodges' Life Beyond the Field - Real Estate and More

Once his football playing days were behind him, Devlin "Duck" Hodges didn't just sit still. He made a move into a completely different line of work, showing that he's a person with various talents and interests. Currently, he works as a real estate agent. He's part of a company called Mossy Oak Properties, which suggests he might be involved with properties that are perhaps a bit more rural or connected to the outdoors, given the company's name. It’s quite a shift from throwing a football to helping people find their next piece of land or home, isn't it?

But his work in real estate isn't the only thing he's doing. He's also the CEO of something called Club Country. This title suggests he's involved in leading a business or organization, which points to a different kind of skill set than what's needed on a football field. It means he's taking on leadership roles and working in the business world, which is a pretty cool transition for someone who was once a professional athlete. It shows a drive to build new things and contribute in different ways.

And, you know, there's also his long-standing passion for duck hunting. This isn't just a casual hobby for him. As mentioned before, he's actually a world champion duck caller, having won a big competition in 2009. This particular interest really connects with his nickname, "Duck," and it shows a side of him that's very much tied to the outdoors and a very specific skill. It's a part of his life that highlights his determination and talent, even outside of sports or business. His life, in some respects, is defined by a love for different pursuits, whether it's playing a game, making a deal, or being out in nature.

How Does Duck Hodges Inspire Lainey Wilson's Music?

It's clear that Devlin "Duck" Hodges plays a very important part in the life of country music star Lainey Wilson, and this connection extends to her creative work, including her music. Lainey has openly shared that having "Duck" in her life is quite meaningful to her. She's described it as "a wild thing for me," which suggests a deep and profound impact. This kind of personal connection often serves as a wellspring for artists, providing them with feelings and experiences that find their way into songs.

Lainey has also publicly expressed her affection and appreciation for him, even mentioning him from the stage during performances. For example, she has said things like, "My fiancé, Duck, love you," during live shows. This public acknowledgment shows the depth of their bond and how much she values his presence. Having a steady and supportive partner like him, especially when you're a busy and successful artist, can be a huge source of comfort and inspiration. It means there's someone behind the scenes who is there for you, offering encouragement and stability.

His support is, in a way, a quiet but powerful force in her life. She has also spoken about having "the best team in the world, the best team who just work their tails off," and it's pretty clear that "Duck" is a significant part of that personal support system. This kind of backing can give an artist the freedom to create and express themselves, knowing they have someone who believes in them and helps carry the load. So, while he might not be writing the lyrics or playing an instrument, his presence and their relationship certainly seem to contribute to the emotional landscape of her music.

The Public Relationship of Duck Hodges and Lainey Wilson

The relationship between Devlin "Duck" Hodges and country music artist Lainey Wilson is one that began quietly and stayed that way for a good while before they decided to share it with the world. They first met in 2021, and it was through mutual friends that they were introduced. From that point, they dated privately for about two and a half years. This means they kept their connection out of the public eye, building their relationship away from the glare of cameras and headlines.

Lainey explained why they chose to keep things private for so long. She said something like, "we gonna see if you're in it for the right reasons." This suggests she wanted to make sure their bond was genuine and strong before bringing it into the spotlight. It turns out, she believes he is, indeed, in it for the right reasons. This approach shows a desire for a solid foundation, free from outside pressures, which is, you know, a pretty smart way to handle a new relationship, especially when one person is a public figure.

They finally made their relationship public in May 2023, when Lainey brought "Duck" with her to the Academy of Country Music Awards. This was a big reveal for many fans who hadn't known about their long-standing connection. Since then, they've shared more about their journey together. The good news continued when they announced their engagement in February of this year, just days before Valentine's Day. While they've shared the happy news of their engagement, Lainey has mentioned that they haven't started planning the wedding just yet. It seems they might be enjoying what she called the "honeymoon phase," which is a pretty lovely way to describe that time after getting engaged.

Their relationship has even popped up in Lainey's creative work. For instance, "Duck" appeared in a music video for her song "4x4xu," which is off her new record called "Whirlwind," released in August 2024. In the video clip, Lainey is seen sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle with "Duck" at the wheel. This inclusion in her music shows just how much he means to her and how their lives are becoming more intertwined, both personally and professionally. It’s pretty sweet to see them share these moments with her fans.

So, in a way, Devlin "Duck" Hodges' story is one of varied pursuits and personal connections. From his early days as a talented college football player, setting records and earning big awards, to his brief but memorable time in the professional leagues with teams like the Steelers, his journey has been quite interesting. After stepping away from football, he found new callings in real estate, working as an agent, and also taking on a leadership role as the CEO of Club Country.