Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. While fans know him as the man who stole Wilson’s heart, Hodges has an impressive story. From his standout football career to his transition into real estate, Hodges has lived a life defined by determination, talent, and a love for the outdoors.
So, who is the man Wilson calls her biggest cheerleader? Let’s take a closer look at Devlin Hodges—his background, career, and the relationship that has country music fans swooning.
Devlin Hodges’ Football Career Took Him from College Records to the NFL
Born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama, Hodges always had a passion for football. He played quarterback at Mortimer Jordan High School before earning a spot at Samford University, where he made history. Over his four years at Samford, he became the all-time FCS passing leader, throwing for a record 14,584 career yards. His outstanding performance earned him the Walter Payton Award in 2018, an honor given to the best offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)—essentially the Heisman Trophy of his division.
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hodges signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he quickly became a fan favorite. Due to injuries in the quarterback lineup, he stepped in as a starter during his rookie season, leading the team to a 3-3 record in six starts. Steelers fans embraced his underdog mentality, even donning Duck hunting gear in the stands—a nod to his unique nickname.
After his time with the Steelers, Hodges briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams before heading north to play for the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). However, in April 2022, he officially retired from professional football, closing one chapter and preparing to start another.
The Story Behind His Duck Nickname
The name Duck isn’t just a football thing—it’s part of Hodges’ life off the field, too. He earned the nickname in college when his coach compared him to another talented quarterback he had previously coached, who was also called Duck. The name stuck, and soon, his teammates started calling him by the moniker.
Fittingly, Hodges is also a skilled duck caller. In fact, he won the Junior World Duck Calling Contest at just 13 years old. He remains passionate about hunting and the outdoors, frequently sharing hunting photos on social media.
Transitioning Into Real Estate
After retiring from football, Hodges pivoted to real estate, using his competitive drive and work ethic in a new field. He initially worked with Mossy Oak Properties in Louisiana, specializing in rural land sales.
In April 2024, he took the next step in his real estate career by joining Myers Cobb Realtors, where he now focuses on properties across Arkansas and Nashville. According to his professional bio, his years in football taught him the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that now help him thrive in real estate.
“I enjoy meeting new people and talking to anyone. I am hardworking, dependable, and learn quickly,” Hodges wrote on his profile.
How Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson Met
Hodges and Wilson’s love story began in 2021 when they were introduced through mutual friends in Nashville. Their first date wasn’t a fancy dinner or an over-the-top outing—it was a laid-back night at Silverados, a dance hall and saloon known for its cheap drinks and live music.
“We went to this old place called Silverados, and it had free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m.,” Lainey Wilson told PEOPLE. “I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out.'”
The two hit it off from that moment on, but Wilson kept their relationship private for two years. Given her skyrocketing career, she wanted to ensure their love was built on something real.
“We kept things private for a long time because I wanted to see if he was actually gonna be around to stay,” she explained. “Turns out, he is.”
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Going Public and Becoming a Fan-Favorite Couple
The couple first sparked dating rumors in 2023 when Wilson was spotted performing in Pittsburgh wearing Hodges’ Steelers jersey. Fans quickly took to social media, tagging Hodges, who played along with the speculation.
“Did she really?!?! Y’all are lying !!!! @laineywilson holla at me !!! 🏈,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Wilson responded playfully: “This is me hollerin’ 🤠.”
A few weeks later, in May 2023, the couple made their red carpet-debut at the ACM Awards, confirming their relationship. The night was extra special as Wilson took home four awards, including Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year.
The Proposal That Had Everyone Talking
After years of keeping their love story private, Hodges and Wilson embraced a public milestone in February 2024 when Hodges proposed in a beautifully planned setup. Wilson shared a series of engagement photos on Instagram with the caption “4x4xU forever”, a nod to her song 4x4xU inspired by their relationship.
The romantic proposal occurred on a front porch decorated with roses, candles, and framed pictures of their journey together. Wilson covers her face in shock in one sweet photo, while another shows the couple embracing in a kiss.
Wilson had hinted for months that she was ready for Hodges to ask the question. During an interview with Bunnie XO, she even joked, “No pressure, brother! No pressure. I might have to propose to him. We waiting!”
Clearly, Hodges got the message—now, the two are planning their future together.
A Love That Inspires Music
Wilson has always been known for her deeply personal songwriting, and her relationship with Hodges has become a major source of inspiration.
“I was never really able to write love songs, because I don’t know if I had actually felt it,” she admitted. “But I’m writing me some love songs now.”
Her album Whirlwind features tracks like “Counting Chickens” and “4x4xU,” which reflect her love for Hodges.
What’s Next for Devlin Hodges and Lainey Wilson?
As Wilson prepares for her Whirlwind Tour, which kicks off in March 2024, she’ll have even more to celebrate as she and Hodges plan their wedding.
Hodges has been by her side through her rise to country stardom. Wilson has never hesitated to praise his unwavering support.
“He knows what it’s like chasing a dream because he’s done that for himself,” she said. “He’s my biggest champion.”
From the football field to real estate, from duck hunting to red-carpet events, Devlin “Duck” Hodges is a man of many talents. And now, he’s preparing for his biggest role yet—being Lainey Wilson’s husband.
