Lainey Wilson has spent the last few years becoming one of the biggest stars in country music. The Louisiana native has won seven CMA Awards, a Grammy, and built a reputation as one of the most compelling live performers in the genre. But behind the “Bell Bottom Country” singer is a man who has been by her side since before the fame really exploded.
That man is Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and became a folk hero in Steel City. The couple first met on a blind date in 2021, and in May 2026, they married in a waterfall ceremony in Dickson, Tennessee. Since then, fans have been searching for every detail about the man who captured the heart of country music’s brightest star. This is his story.
Table of Contents
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Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
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Quick Bio Table
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Early Life and Childhood
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Parents and Family Background
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Education
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Career Journey
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Major Achievements
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Marriage and Relationships
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Children
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Personal Life
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Net Worth and Income Sources
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Social Media Presence
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Interesting Facts
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Current Life and Recent Updates
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Public Image and Legacy
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Why People Search for Lainey Wilson’s Husband
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Common Misconceptions
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Final Thoughts
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FAQ Section
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devlin Patrick Hodges |
| Known For | Former NFL quarterback; husband of Lainey Wilson |
| Profession | Former NFL/CFL Quarterback; Real Estate Agent |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Kimberly, Alabama, USA |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1996 |
| Age | 30 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Lainey Wilson (m. May 10, 2026) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Education | Samford University |
| Net Worth | Estimated $780,000 (according to RadarOnline) |
Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
Devlin Patrick Hodges, known to the sports world as “Duck,” is an American former professional football quarterback. He was born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama, and played college football at Samford University.
He is best known for his brief but memorable stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 NFL season, where he stepped in as a backup quarterback and led the team to several comeback wins, becoming a cult hero among fans. He also played for the Los Angeles Rams and the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL before retiring from professional football in April 2022.
Today, he works as a real estate agent and is married to country music superstar Lainey Wilson. The couple wed on May 10, 2026, in a ceremony at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee.
Early Life and Childhood
Devlin Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama, a small town in Jefferson County. He grew up with a passion for the outdoors, particularly duck hunting. His nickname, “Duck,” originated during his college football days at Samford University, where teammates began calling him that due to his love of duck hunting and his success in duck calling contests.
He began competing in duck calling contests at a young age. At just 13 years old, he won the Junior World Duck Calling Contest in 2009. He later won the Alabama State Duck Calling Championship in 2018. These early competitions shaped his character and gave him a competitive edge that would later serve him well on the football field.
Parents and Family Background
There is no publicly verified information available about Devlin Hodges’ parents or family background. He has kept these details private throughout his career.
Education
Devlin Hodges attended Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, Alabama, where he was a standout quarterback. He then attended Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he played college football for the Samford Bulldogs.
At Samford, he became the most prolific passer in the university’s history, breaking multiple school records. He finished his career with over 13,000 passing yards and was a four-time All-Southern Conference selection.
Career Journey
College Football at Samford
Hodges played quarterback at Samford University from 2015 to 2018. He became the first player in program history to pass for over 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and finished his career as the Southern Conference’s all-time leader in passing yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2020)
Hodges signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was expected to be a third-string quarterback, but injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph thrust him into the starting lineup.
He started six games during the 2019 season, leading the Steelers to a 3-3 record in those starts, including memorable comeback wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. He completed 100 of 160 passes for 1,063 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
His performance endeared him to Steelers fans, who embraced his everyman persona and his small-town roots. He became a household name in Pittsburgh and a fan favorite.
Los Angeles Rams and CFL
In 2021, Hodges spent time in the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp before joining the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League. He appeared in two games for the Redblacks, making one start.
He announced his retirement from professional football in April 2022.
Real Estate Career
After retiring from football, Hodges transitioned into real estate. He works as a real estate agent with Myers Cobb Realtors, helping clients buy and sell homes.
Major Achievements
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Junior World Duck Calling Contest Champion (2009)
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Alabama State Duck Calling Championship (2018)
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Samford University’s all-time leading passer
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season folk hero
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NFL completion percentage of 62.5%
Marriage and Relationships
How They Met
Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson met on a blind date in 2021. Wilson was not yet a superstar at the time. In fact, she has said she was “so broke” when they first met. Despite the humble beginnings, the connection was immediate.
Going Public
The couple made their public debut in May 2023 at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Wilson told People that she wanted to keep her relationship private at first because she didn’t want to “share too much” of her personal life.
The Proposal
Hodges proposed to Wilson in February 2025 at the estate of late country legend George Jones in Franklin, Tennessee, outside Nashville. Wilson announced the engagement on Instagram, sharing a photo of her diamond ring with the caption “4x4xU Forever.”
The Wedding
The couple married on May 10, 2026, at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee. The ceremony was held at a picturesque waterfall, and the venue spanned 160 acres. Approximately 160 guests attended, including family and celebrity friends.
Wilson wore a cstom gown and told Vogue that the venue was a “dream.” The couple shared the first photos from their wedding with the magazine.
Married Life
Seven months after the wedding, Wilson revealed the most surprising part of married life. “The biggest surprise is just how much I love it,” she said. “I’ve been doing this on my own for so long, and it’s just nice to have somebody to come home to.”
Children
Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson do not have any children. There is no publicly available information suggesting they are expecting.
Personal Life
Devlin Hodges is known for his down-to-earth personality and his love of the outdoors. He remains a passionate duck hunter and still participates in duck calling competitions when his schedule allows.
He is supportive of Wilson’s career and has been seen at numerous award shows and concerts. Wilson has said that Hodges is her “biggest cheerleader” and that he helps keep her grounded.
In 2026, Wilson gave Hodges a shoutout during her performance at the CMA Awards, thanking him for his support.
Net Worth and Income Sources
According to RadarOnline, Devlin Hodges has an estimated net worth of approximately $780,000. His income comes from his NFL and CFL earnings, his real estate career with Myers Cobb Realtors, and his various business ventures.
His wife, Lainey Wilson, is estimated to be worth around $4 million.
Social Media Presence
Devlin Hodges is not active on social media in a public capacity. He does not have a verified Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok account. He occasionally appears on Wilson’s social media pages, but he prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Interesting Facts
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His nickname “Duck” originated during his college football days at Samford, where teammates called him that due to his love of duck hunting.
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He won the Junior World Duck Calling Contest at age 13.
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He was an undrafted free agent who became a Steelers fan favorite.
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He started six games for the Steelers in 2019, leading them to a 3-3 record.
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He proposed to Lainey Wilson at George Jones’ estate.
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He married Wilson on May 10, 2026, at a waterfall ceremony.
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He is the most prolific passer in Samford University history.
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He works as a real estate agent with Myers Cobb Realtors.
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Wilson has called him her “biggest cheerleader.”
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He is described as humble, hardworking, and a devoted husband.
Current Life and Recent Updates
As of September 2026, Devlin Hodges is 30 years old and living in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Lainey Wilson. He continues to work as a real estate agent and supports Wilson’s career.
Wilson is one of the most in-demand performers in country music, having headlined Stagecoach and won multiple ACM Awards in 2026. Despite her demanding schedule, the couple prioritizes their relationship and has spoken about the importance of communication and quality time.
Public Image and Legacy
Devlin Hodges is known primarily as Lainey Wilson’s husband, but his own story is one of achievement and resilience. He was an undrafted free agent who became a folk hero in Pittsburgh. He was a record-breaking college quarterback. He is a champion duck caller. And now, he is a supportive husband and a successful real estate agent.
His legacy, like his marriage, is still being written. But he has already proven that he is more than just a footnote in someone else’s story.
Why People Search for Lainey Wilson’s Husband
People search for Lainey Wilson’s husband for several reasons:
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Curiosity about the country star’s personal life: Wilson is one of the biggest names in country music, and fans want to know about the man she married.
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The Steelers connection: Hodges is a recognizable figure in Pittsburgh sports lore.
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The wedding: The couple’s May 2026 wedding at a Tennessee waterfall was widely covered.
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The love story: Their journey from a blind date to a marriage is a compelling narrative.
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His unique background: His career as an NFL quarterback and champion duck caller makes him a fascinating figure.
Common Misconceptions
He is still playing in the NFL. Hodges retired from professional football in April 2022.
He is a country music singer. Hodges is not a musician. He is a former NFL quarterback and current real estate agent.
He and Wilson met at a football game. They met on a blind date in 2021.
He is from Pittsburgh. Hodges is from Kimberly, Alabama. He played for the Steelers but was not born there.
He has a public social media presence. Hodges does not maintain any public social media accounts.Final Thoughts
Devlin “Duck” Hodges is a man of many talents. He is a former NFL quarterback who became a folk hero in Pittsburgh. He is a champion duck caller. He is a successful real estate agent. And he is the husband of one of the biggest stars in country music.
His story is one of humble beginnings, hard work, and unexpected turns. From a small town in Alabama to the bright lights of the NFL to a waterfall wedding in Tennessee, Hodges has lived a life that few could have predicted.
For Lainey Wilson, he is not just a husband. He is a partner, a supporter, and a grounding force in a world of chaos and fame. Together, they have built a marriage that seems to be as strong as their individual careers.
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