Have you ever wondered what happens to NFL players after their time in the spotlight ends? For Devlin Hodges, life after professional football has taken some interesting turns. Known by fans as “Duck Hodges” during his brief but memorable NFL stint, Hodges captured the hearts of Pittsburgh Steelers fans during the 2019 season. Today, many are curious about his financial status, his relationship status, and what he’s doing now that he’s no longer throwing passes on Sundays.
Let’s take a closer look at Devlin Hodges‘ journey from undrafted quarterback to NFL starter and beyond, including his personal wealth today and the new chapters he’s writing in his life story.
Devlin Hodges Net Worth!
Wondering how much Devlin Hodges earnings add up to? Based on multiple financial sources, Duck Hodges wealth is estimated to be between $1-2 million. This figure comes primarily from his NFL player net worth during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and subsequent teams.
During his rookie season with the Steelers in 2019, Hodges earned a base salary of approximately $495,000, which represents his NFL contract value as the league minimum for rookies. His NFL salary components included a small signing bonus as an undrafted free agent. While this might seem substantial to the average person, it’s actually on the lower end of quarterback income, especially when compared to other NFL players.
What impacts his overall financial worth? Several factors come into play here. First, professional sports income typically comes from short careers, with the average being just 3-4 years. Hodges’ primary NFL stint lasted only one full season, limiting his earning potential from the league. Additionally, taxes, agent fees, and living expenses can take a significant chunk out of an athlete financial profile. Unlike superstar quarterbacks who sign multi-million dollar endorsement income, Hodges didn’t secure major sponsorship opportunities during his brief NFL career, which also affects his overall financial resources.
It’s worth mentioning that celebrity net worth estimates can vary widely depending on the source, and without direct financial disclosures, these figures represent educated guesses rather than confirmed amounts. When experts calculate net worth, they consider assets and liabilities, but for public figures, this information isn’t always complete.
NFL Career
1. Early Career and College Football
Before achieving his current financial stability, Devlin Hodges made a name for himself at Samford University, a smaller FCS school in Alabama. Why does this matter? Because his journey toward professional success wasn’t the typical path of a five-star recruit to a power conference team.
At Samford, Hodges didn’t just play – he dominated. He threw for an impressive 14,584 yards during his college career, breaking the FCS all-time passing record previously held by the legendary Steve McNair. His performance earned him the Walter Payton Award in 2018, given to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS football. Despite these remarkable college achievements, Hodges went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, which would later impact his career salary potential.
How did he make it to the NFL without being drafted? The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Hodges as an undrafted free agent following a successful rookie minicamp tryout. This “against the odds” beginning endeared him to fans who love an underdog story and set the stage for his brief but notable quarterback career.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers Stint
When injuries struck the Steelers quarterback room in 2019, Hodges got his chance to shine. After injuries to both Ben Roethlisberger and backup Mason Rudolph, the undrafted rookie found himself starting NFL games for one of the league’s most storied franchises, which would become a key component of his overall financial portfolio.
During his time with the Steelers, Hodges started six games, going 3-3 as a starter. His most memorable performance came in a victory against the Cleveland Browns, where he helped lead the team to a crucial win during their playoff push. Fans quickly embraced the rookie, giving him the nickname “Duck” due to his championship duck-calling skills (yes, really!), a cultural relevance that has stayed with him beyond his playing days.
What was his reported earnings with the Steelers? As mentioned earlier, Hodges earned around $495,000 for the 2019 season, plus a modest signing bonus. While this represents good money for most people, it’s considerably less than established NFL quarterbacks who often earn $20+ million annually. This contrast highlights how NFL contracts can vary dramatically based on draft position and proven performance.
3. Post Steelers Career
What is Devlin Hodges doing now? In December 2021, Hodges announced his retirement from professional football at just 27 years old (his current age). Rather than pursuing opportunities in other leagues or as a backup, he decided to shift his focus to other passions that could provide alternative income streams. Currently, he works as a hunting guide and outdoor enthusiast, leaning into his pre-NFL nickname and passion for duck hunting and outdoor activities. He’s also built a presence on social media sharing his outdoor adventures and connecting with fans who remember his NFL days. These activities represent potential post-career earnings that contribute to his monetary value today.
Relationship with Lainey Wilson
One area of Hodges’ life that has attracted significant attention recently is his relationship with country music star Lainey Wilson, one of the most important semantically related entities to discussions about Hodges today. The couple’s romance has put Hodges back in the spotlight, though in a much different way than during his NFL days.
How serious is their relationship? Very serious, as it turns out. The couple got engaged in 2023, making their commitment official. So if you’re wondering “is Devlin Hodges married?” – not yet, but he’s engaged. Wilson, whose star has been rising rapidly in the country music world with hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck,” has brought Hodges into the country music scene’s orbit, potentially offering new financial resources through connections and opportunities.
Who is Devlin Hodges’ girlfriend (now fiancée) exactly? Lainey Wilson is one of country music’s brightest new stars, winning multiple Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Her career has taken off considerably in the past few years, and she’s now recognized as one of the genre’s most promising talents. This relationship has significantly increased Hodges’ public perception of wealth and profile, as he now occasionally appears at music industry events alongside Wilson. As for Devlin Hodges’ children, there’s no public information indicating that he has any children at this time.
Devlin Hodges Quarterback Profession
1. Quarterbacking Skills and Style
What made Hodges stand out as a quarterback? Despite his undrafted status, he possessed several qualities that helped him succeed at the professional level, albeit briefly, and establish his initial financial stability.
Hodges’ playing style was marked by good decision-making and accuracy on shorter throws. At 6’1″, he wasn’t the prototypical NFL quarterback size (many successful NFL quarterbacks stand 6’3″ or taller), but he compensated with quick processing and football intelligence. During his starts with the Steelers, he completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,063 yards with 5 touchdowns and 8 interceptions – statistics that reflect his Devlin Hodges career highlights.
Where did he struggle? Like many rookie quarterbacks, Hodges had difficulty with consistency and making the more challenging throws required at the NFL level. His arm strength, while adequate, wasn’t exceptional by NFL standards, which limited some aspects of the Steelers’ offense when he was at the helm and ultimately affected his long-term earning potential in the league.
2. Comparison to Other Quarterbacks
How did Hodges stack up against other NFL quarterbacks? When compared to his peers, particularly other backup quarterbacks who received starting opportunities, Hodges performed admirably considering his undrafted status and limited preparation. This comparison provides important context for understanding his NFL earnings and subsequent net worth.
The 2019 season saw several backup quarterbacks thrust into starting roles across the NFL, including Gardner Minshew, Kyle Allen, and Hodges’ teammate Mason Rudolph. Among this group, Hodges’ statistics were modest, reflecting both his inexperience and the conservative offensive approach the Steelers took with him under center.
What factors influenced the trajectory of his NFL career? Several elements worked against Hodges establishing a longer career in the league, which directly impacted his Devlin Hodges income. The limited opportunities for development as an undrafted player, the Steelers’ eventual return to health at the quarterback position, and the constant influx of new quarterback talent through each year’s draft all contributed to his brief NFL tenure – an example of how potential financial loss can occur due to circumstances partly beyond a player’s control.
Final Thoughts on Devlin Hodges’ Journey
From breaking college passing records to starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers to finding happiness beyond football, Devlin Hodges’ story is one of adaptation and embracing new opportunities. While his NFL career was briefer than many players dream of, avoiding the bankruptcy that sometimes follows short careers, he accomplished what few undrafted quarterbacks ever do – starting and winning games for a storied NFL franchise.
Today, with an estimated net worth of $1-2 million – a figure that represents the balance of his assets minus liabilities – Hodges has built a life that balances his outdoor passions with his relationship with country music star Lainey Wilson. His journey reminds us that success comes in many forms, and sometimes the most interesting chapters come after the spotlight fades.
For Steelers fans and football followers who remember the “Duck Hodges” era, his story remains an interesting example of how life after football can be fulfilling and meaningful in entirely new ways. While his personal wealth may not match the superstar quarterbacks with multi-year contracts, his ability to transition to new opportunities demonstrates that financial stability can come in many forms after a professional sports career ends.
FAQs
What does Devlin Hodges do for a living now?
After retiring from professional football, Devlin “Duck” Hodges transitioned into real estate. He currently works as a licensed real estate agent with Myers Cobb Realtors, where he combines his passion for the outdoors with property sales.
How did Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges meet?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges met in 2021 through mutual friends in Nashville. Their first date was at a local spot called Silverados, known for its laid-back atmosphere and free drinks, which they both appreciated.
What happened to Devlin Hodges?
Devlin Hodges, affectionately known as “Duck,” played as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 NFL season. After brief stints with other teams and a short tenure in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Redblacks, he retired from professional football in 2022. He has since embarked on a career in real estate.
Where does Devlin Hodges live?
Devlin Hodges resides in Nashville, Tennessee. This location allows him to pursue his real estate career and be close to his fiancée, country music star Lainey Wilson.
Devlin Hodges age?
Devlin Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, making him 28 years old as of March 2025.
