Devlin Hodges never fit the traditional mold of an NFL quarterback. He wasn’t a first-round draft pick. He didn’t arrive with national hype or a multimillion-dollar signing bonus. Instead, he built his football career the hard way—through performance, persistence, and personality. Known to fans as “Duck,” Hodges became one of the most unexpected storylines of the 2019 NFL season when he stepped in as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since then, curiosity about Devlin Hodges’ net worth has steadily grown. Fans want to know how much he earned during his brief but memorable professional football career. Others are interested in how he transitioned from the NFL spotlight into life after football. His story is not just about money; it is about opportunity, timing, and building a life beyond the game.
This biography-style exploration looks at Hodges’ early life, his college dominance, his NFL journey, his earnings, and how his financial picture has evolved since stepping away from professional football.
Early Life and the Making of “Duck”
Devlin Patrick Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, in Alabama. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the outdoors. Hunting and duck calling were part of his upbringing, long before he gained national attention for either football or his nickname.
The nickname “Duck” did not emerge as a marketing gimmick. It came from his legitimate talent in duck-calling competitions. In fact, he won the Junior World Duck Calling Championship as a teenager. That unusual distinction would later become part of his public identity when he entered the NFL.
Growing up in Alabama, football was always central to his life. However, he was not heavily recruited out of high school. Major programs overlooked him, and his path to national recognition would require patience and relentless effort.
College Career at Samford University
Hodges attended Samford University, a Football Championship Subdivision program. While it lacked the exposure of powerhouse schools, it provided him with the opportunity he needed.
At Samford, Hodges flourished. He shattered school and conference records, demonstrating exceptional passing efficiency and poise. Over his collegiate career, he threw for more than 14,000 yards, setting the Southern Conference record for passing yards.
His senior year was especially remarkable. In 2018, Hodges won the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. That achievement placed him among elite company at the subdivision level. It also signaled that while he may have been overlooked earlier, he could not be ignored anymore.
Despite those accomplishments, Hodges went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. That moment was a reminder of how difficult the jump from FCS to the NFL can be.
Entering the NFL as an Undrafted Free Agent
After the draft, Hodges signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. For most players in his position, simply making the roster is a long shot. Yet Hodges seized his opportunity during training camp and preseason.
The 2019 season quickly turned chaotic for the Steelers. Star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury. Suddenly, the depth chart opened up. Hodges found himself thrust into meaningful action.
He eventually started multiple games that season. At one point, he helped lead the Steelers to three straight wins. Fans embraced him as a feel-good story, and the “Duck” nickname became a national talking point.
While his statistics were modest, his composure stood out. He finished the season with over 1,000 passing yards and five touchdowns. Although he did not secure a long-term starting role, he had proven he could compete at the highest level.
NFL Contracts and Career Earnings
When discussing Devlin Hodges’ net worth, the conversation inevitably turns to his NFL contracts. As an undrafted rookie, Hodges signed a standard three-year deal at the league minimum. These contracts typically carry modest signing bonuses and limited guarantees.
The minimum salary for a rookie in 2019 was just under $500,000. While that figure may sound enormous to the average person, it represents the lowest rung of NFL compensation. Players only receive full-season pay if they remain on the active roster.
Hodges spent parts of his early career on the active roster and parts on practice squads, where salaries are significantly lower. Therefore, while his total contract value may have been reported in the low seven figures, actual earnings depend on roster status and weeks active.
He later spent time with other teams, including offseason contracts, but he never signed a lucrative multi-year extension. Compared to first-round quarterbacks who earn tens of millions, Hodges’ career earnings were modest by NFL standards.
Still, even a single season of NFL minimum salary can create a strong financial foundation when managed wisely.
Brief CFL Chapter and Retirement
In 2021, Hodges signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League. The move suggested he still had interest in continuing his professional football journey.
However, his CFL stint was short-lived. By April 2022, he announced his retirement from professional football. The decision marked the end of a career that, while brief, included unforgettable moments.
CFL salaries are generally lower than NFL minimums. Therefore, this chapter likely contributed less to his overall earnings. Instead, it represented an attempt to extend his time in professional football before ultimately shifting focus to a new chapter.
Transition to Real Estate and Life After Football
One of the most significant developments in Devlin Hodges’ financial story came after retirement. Rather than fading from public view, he transitioned into real estate.
This career move is common among former athletes. Real estate offers flexibility, income potential, and the ability to leverage personal networks. Hodges’ name recognition, especially in parts of the South, likely provides a valuable edge.
Success in real estate depends heavily on local market conditions and deal flow. Unlike an NFL salary, commission-based income can vary year to year. However, for driven individuals with strong connections, it can become a substantial long-term source of wealth.
Hodges’ transition demonstrates financial maturity. Instead of relying solely on past football income, he pursued an active second career. That decision plays a crucial role in evaluating his current net worth.
Public Attention and Personal Life
Another factor that has increased public curiosity about Devlin Hodges’ net worth is his high-profile relationship with country music star Lainey Wilson. As Wilson’s fame grew, so did media coverage of Hodges.
While it is important to separate individual finances, increased visibility can indirectly benefit a former athlete. Greater public recognition may open doors to business opportunities, partnerships, or speaking engagements.
However, it would be inaccurate to assume that association alone dramatically changes net worth. Financial growth still depends on personal ventures, investments, and disciplined money management.
In Hodges’ case, his grounded personality and Southern roots appear consistent with a practical approach to life after sports.
Estimating Devlin Hodges’ Net Worth
So what is Devlin Hodges’ net worth today?
There is no official public disclosure. Online estimates vary widely, often without clear sources. However, a realistic assessment must consider several factors.
First, his NFL earnings likely totaled in the high six-figure to low seven-figure range before taxes and expenses. Second, taxes, agent fees, and living costs significantly reduce gross income. Third, his post-football real estate career adds ongoing earning potential.
Given these variables, most conservative estimates place Devlin Hodges’ net worth somewhere between several hundred thousand dollars and a few million dollars.
That range may not rival superstar quarterbacks, but it reflects a solid financial standing for someone whose professional football career lasted only a few seasons.
Financial Lessons from His Career
Hodges’ journey offers valuable insight into how professional athletes build wealth. Longevity is critical. Guaranteed contracts matter. Draft position influences financial security.
Yet his story also shows that short-term success can still create long-term opportunity. Even without a decade-long NFL career, he gained visibility, experience, and a financial platform.
Many athletes struggle with identity after retirement. Hodges appears to have navigated the transition smoothly. By entering real estate and maintaining public relevance, he created stability beyond football.
A Legacy Bigger Than Numbers
When people search for Devlin Hodges’ net worth, they are often looking for a number. But his story is richer than a single financial figure.
He represents the underdog narrative that fans love. An undrafted quarterback from a small school stepped onto the NFL stage and delivered memorable performances. He earned the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Financially, he likely built a comfortable base rather than extraordinary wealth. Personally, he built a life that extends beyond the field.
His journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to start over when one chapter ends.
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Conclusion
Devlin Hodges’ net worth is best understood in context. He did not sign franchise-altering contracts or headline massive endorsement deals. Instead, he earned his place in the NFL through determination and took advantage of the opportunity when it came.
His football career provided financial footing, but his post-NFL choices continue to shape his long-term wealth. Real estate, public visibility, and smart career moves suggest steady growth rather than sudden windfall.
Ultimately, Hodges’ biography is less about the exact dollar figure and more about the path he carved. From Alabama duck-calling champion to NFL starter to businessman, his story proves that success is not defined only by contract size. It is defined by adaptability, resilience, and building a future beyond the spotlight.
In that sense, Devlin Hodges’ net worth is not just a number. It is the product of a journey that turned unlikely opportunity into lasting stability.
