Devlin Hodges is a former professional football quarterback born and raised in Alabama. He played collegiate at Samford before the Pittsburg Steelers signed him as an undrafted agent in 2019. Throughout his career, Hodges who is also known as Duck played for teams like the Los Angeles Redbacks and Ottawa Redbacks. Aside from his shortlived football career, Hodges is in the limelight as Lainey Wilson’s boyfriend.
Wilson is a famous country singer who rose to fame acting as Hannah Montana and even staging her shows. While this may seem like so much about the Alabama-raised man, here are other details that are creating a buzz about him.
The Early Life and Background of Devlin Hodges
Devlin Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, in Alabama to Zane and Amy Hodges. He grew up alongside a younger brother, Duncan. From a young age, the boys were inseparable and this made them share several interests such as duck hunting, a sport that their father introduced them to.
At the age of two, his father Zane, introduced him to ice hockey and the toddler would always be seen playing on the team coached by his father. However, this was not the only sport that made him stand out. Due to his father’s interest in duck hunting and calling, he introduced his two children to the sport. Soon enough, Devlin started participating in duck hunting and calling tournaments.
On one of their duck hunting trips, he met with Butch Richenback, the famous duck hunter. Richenback took a liking to him and took over training him. In 2009, he won the Junior World Duck Hunting Calling Contest.
His Football Career Lasted Till 2022
With a sporting background like his, it is quite surprising that Devlin chose football in his early adult life. He first stepped on a football pitch when he was 5 years old. Like many other times, he gained the attention of many onlookers when he scored a touchdown. This impressive performance marked the beginning of his future career.
His skills did not go unnoticed and soon the scouts picked him. He started out with the FBS but later moved to Samford which was closer to home. As an offensive player, also known as made stunning records while on the team one of which is reaching 14584 passing yards.
In 2019, the ducking champion signed with Pittsburg Steelers as a free agent but left the team in 2020 after his contract expired. His next signing was with the Los Angeles Rams, yet this only lasted a few months.
With an NFL career that took a downturn, he moved to the Canadian Football League Ottawa Redblacks. While there was expectation that he would pick up, things did not change. Instead, he struggled to make an impression. In 2022, the team announced his retirement from football.
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Devlin Hodges Love Life
Considering his versatile skills in many sports, one may wonder if he has time for relationships. It turns out that he does. Previously, he had kept this area of his life quiet. The former football player is in a relationship with Lainey Wilson,([age dob=”19920519″]), the country musician who is a few years older than he is.
The pair started giving hints about their relationship in playful social media flirtations. On his part, he once revealed that she is the country musician that he would be sliding into her DM. On her part, the Things a Man Oughta Know crooner and her band wore Steeler’s jersey with Hodges’s name written on it during a concert in April. Over time, many speculated about the pair.
Thankfully, the pair confirmed their relationship when they appeared at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023.
What is the Former Football Quarterback Upto?
Following his sudden retirement at the age of 27, you may be wondering what he is up to these days. If his social media updates are anything to go by, Hodges is invested in duck hunting and calling. Apparently, this is a sport that he never left and he remains passionate about. In 2018, he won the Alabama State Duck Calling Championship.
Also, he runs a podcast called The Duck Hodges Podcast where he talks about ducking, football, and other interesting issues. Considering his reason for retiring was never said, it would not be surprising if he makes a comeback.
