Who Is Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé? All About Former NFL Player Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges

Country music sensation Lainey Wilson has been lighting up stages and screens, but lately, it’s her offstage glow that’s got everyone talking. Fresh off hosting the 2025 CMA Awards and dropping hints about her personal life, she’s sharing peeks into a romance that’s as heartfelt as her hit “Heart Like a Truck.”

A Chance Encounter in the Heart of the South

They kept it under wraps for a couple of years, letting the spark build away from the spotlight.

For more on Lainey’s red-hot year in music, check out our deep dive into her latest album release. And if you’re into her acting chops, don’t miss this recap of her Yellowstone moments.

From Samford Star to Steelers Sensation

Devlin Patrick Hodges, better known as “Duck” for his uncanny talent in duck-calling contests, grew up in Alabama with football in his blood. A standout at Samford University, he led the Bulldogs to a record-setting 2017 season, throwing for over 14,000 yards and earning Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. Undrafted out of college, he hustled his way into the NFL as a practice squad quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

His big break? Stepping in as the starter mid-season, going 3-2 in five starts and earning “Steeltown’s backup savior” status. Why retire so young?

Outbound link for the full NFL arc: Devlin Hodges’ Wikipedia page dives deeper into those wild Steelers weeks.

Trading Touchdowns for Turnkey Deals

These days, Duck’s playbook has shifted to real estate, where he’s thriving as an agent with Myers Cobb Realtors in Alabama. It’s a natural pivot – after all, selling homes requires reading people just like calling audibles on the field Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé .

Lainey has gushed about how his steady vibe grounds her amid tour buses and award shows.

The Proposal That Had Hearts Racing

She broke the news on Instagram with a simple “4x4xU forever ❤️,” a nod to her chart-topping track that suddenly felt prophetic. The ring? A custom stunner blending rustic elegance with a touch of sparkle Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé fit for a bell-bottom queen.

“I was never really able to write love songs… but I’m writing me some now,” she shared back in 2023. Outbound scoop: Us Weekly’s full timeline maps out every milestone.

Wedding Whispers and No-Rush Vibes

No shotgun wedding here – in a refreshingly real August 2025 interview, Lainey told PEOPLE they’re savoring the engagement phase, with zero timeline pressure.

Fans are already speculating on the guest list – think Yellowstone co-stars rubbing elbows with Steelers legends. For Lainey’s tour updates that might overlap with wedding prep, hop over to our guide to her 2026 roadshow.

Why This Power Couple Feels Like Us

What makes Lainey and Duck’s story stick? It’s the unpolished magic – a quarterback who hunts ducks and a singer who wears her heart on her fringe. As Lainey navigates superstardom, Duck’s there, not chasing lights but building a quiet empire. Their latest X buzz? Whispers of wedding costs giving even a Steeler pause, but hey, love’s worth every penny.

Outbound inspo: Glamour’s relationship deep-dive captures the secrecy-to-spotlight shift perfectly.