From duck calling champion to NFL starter: the unconventional path of Devlin Hodges
In short: Before he was an NFL quarterback, Devlin Hodges was a world-class duck caller. Known as Duck, he transitioned from setting collegiate passing records at Samford to leading the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 season. His journey reflects the unpredictable nature of professional sports, spanning the NFL, the CFL, and beyond.
Born in 1996, Devlin Hodges established himself as a prolific passer during his tenure at Samford University. As a four-year starter, he secured the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year title three times. By the end of his senior season in 2018, he had surpassed the career passing records previously held by Steve McNair, accumulating 14,584 yards, 1,310 completions, and 1,896 attempts. Beyond the gridiron, Hodges demonstrated unique talent in duck calling, winning a junior world title at age 13 and an Alabama state championship in 2018, which earned him his enduring nickname.
Hodges entered the professional ranks in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following an injury to Ben Roethlisberger and subsequent roster shifts, he made his debut in October 2019. His rookie campaign was marked by notable highs, including a comeback victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, and significant challenges, such as a four-interception performance against the Buffalo Bills. He finished his first professional season with 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions across eight appearances.
After his time in Pittsburgh concluded in 2021, Hodges briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams before moving to the Canadian Football League to play for the Ottawa Redblacks. His stint in the CFL included a starting role in late 2021, but he ultimately retired from professional football in April 2022. Outside of his athletic career, Hodges has garnered public attention for his personal life, including his marriage to country music artist Lainey Wilson in May 2026, following a multi-year relationship that became public in 2023.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Devlin Hodges
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