Many readers ask who is Lainey Wilson dating when they spot her at awards shows. She has dated former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges since 2021, though they kept it under wraps until the 2023 ACM Awards.
This post will walk you through their first meeting in Nashville, his duck hunting roots at Samford University, and their 2025 engagement on Instagram. Ready for the inside story?
Key Takeaways
- Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges began dating in mid-2021 and first stepped out together at the ACM Awards on May 11, 2023.
- Devlin Hodges played quarterback at Samford University, joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019, signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, then played for the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks; teammates nicknamed him “Duck” for his morning duck hunts.
- Hodges cheered Wilson on at the 2023 CMA Awards, jumped up when she won Female Video of the Year in 2024, and stood by her side as she co-hosted the CMA Awards in 2024.
- They announced their engagement on Instagram on February 12, 2025, captioning the post “4x4xU forever,” showing a cowboy hat ring box and a cluster ring of three diamonds totalling 5 to 7 carats.
- Wilson credits Hodges as her real-life muse, writing new love songs like those on her Whirlwind album; she won four ACM trophies in 2023 and Entertainer of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards.
Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
He led Samford University’s pass game, then won a spot as an NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They call him “Duck” for his dawn duck hunts, and he still brings that grit to every game.
What is Devlin Hodges’ background and early life?
Devlin Hodges played football from the age of eight in Alabama. A morning bus ride took him to early practice sessions each weekday. At Samford University in Homewood, he stepped in as the starting quarterback.
That grind set the stage for his future as an NFL quarterback.
Weekend mornings found him chasing ducks in nearby wetlands, boots muddy and grin wide. Family tradition taught him to duck hunt before high school. Calm dawn hours at a blind feel like a training camp to him.
Why is Devlin Hodges nicknamed “Duck”?
College coaches at Samford University first tagged him Duck. They thought he looked just like a past quarterback named Duck. Teammates rolled with the name from the first day of spring drills.
He carried it into NFL camps with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His passion for duck hunting and early mornings in marshes fit the label perfectly. Fans spot him wearing Mossy Oak Properties camo on hunting trips. The image of a hunter, clad in camo, mirrors that friendly tag.
That blend of gridiron grit and waterfowl chases cements the nickname.
How Did Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges Meet?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges met at Silverados, a rustic venue. Their first date in 2021 served free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m. Devlin tried new dance moves under neon lights and made her laugh.
Music and laughter sparked their bond.
The pair guarded their romance for more than two years. Few photos ever showed them together in public. Lainey and Devlin finally stepped out at the ACM Awards on May 11, 2023. Cameras flashed as they held hands under bright lights.
When Did Their Relationship Begin in 2021?
Wilson and Hodges started dating around mid 2021. She hit the stage in Pittsburgh wearing his pittsburgh steelers jersey, number twenty-seven, back in October. Fans snapped photos under those stage lights and spread them online.
That single gesture pushed devlin “duck” hodges into country music gossip.
Hodges, a former nfl quarterback from Samford University, cheered from the wings at a CMA Awards rehearsal weeks later. Cameras caught him smiling and clapping as she sang. Social feeds lit up with every shared glance and quick post.
What Was Their Red Carpet Debut Like in 2023?
Audiences paused as the country music star hit the ACM Awards red carpet on May 11, 2023. Lainey Wilson glowed in a silky green gown. Devlin “Duck” Hodges matched her in a light blue suit, bolo tie, and cowboy hat.
Photographers captured dozens of shots under bright lights.
Wilson earned six nominations and won four trophies that night. Duck cheered from her side, beaming with pride. Fans buzzed over the couple’s chemistry. Their debut sent waves through Nashville and beyond.
What Was Devlin Hodges’ Career Like as an NFL Player?
Devlin “Duck” Hodges joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after starring at Samford University. He hit the ground running, starting multiple games that season, throwing for more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, and he stayed on the roster through 2021.
The next stop on his gridiron journey was a 2022 deal with the Los Angeles Rams, where he chased a fresh opportunity. In late 2022, the former NFL quarterback crossed into the Canadian Football League, trading his cleats for a spot with the Ottawa Redblacks.
How Does Devlin Support Lainey’s Music Career?
Fans spotted Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges in the crowd on November 8, 2023 at the 57th Annual CMA Awards. Loud cheers rose as she snagged the Female Video of the Year trophy at the 2024 CMA Awards, and he jumped to his feet.
He stood by her side as the country music star co-hosted the CMA Awards in 2024, flashing a grin that turned heads. Cameras zoomed in on his face when she accepted Entertainer of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards, and she told him, “I love you, Duck.” His steady presence gave her confidence on the big stage.
When Did They Announce Their Engagement in 2025?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges announced their engagement on February 12, 2025. They shared an Instagram post with the caption “4x4xU forever.” The photo showed them on a front porch, surrounded by glowing candles, red roses, and framed photos of their story.
Hodges used a cowboy hat as a ring box when he popped the question. The engagement ring features a cluster setting with three bright diamonds that total about 5 to 7 carats. That single post lit up social feeds everywhere.
How Does Devlin Inspire Lainey as Her Muse?
Fans heard Wilson express excitement about penning new love songs inspired by Devlin Hodges. Devlin “Duck” Hodges sparks honest lines in her tunes. The star once found love lyrics out of reach.
She admitted she never truly felt love until now.
She poured her heart into Heart Like a Truck and Free Beer and Wine. A January 2025 CMT interview saw her joke about popping the question. New verses on her Whirlwind album now brim with heartfelt truth.
He stands as her real life muse.
Who Is Lainey Wilson? Personal Background and Traits
She grew up chasing songs on her front porch, singing with a heart full of dreams. She wrote tunes about love and hard work, and “Heart Like a Truck” roared onto the charts. Her Whirlwind album landed her in living rooms across America, and her honest voice struck like a freight train.
Her genuine style blends old school twang with fresh lyrics that stick in your mind. Her plucky grit makes her a true country music star.
She walked on stage as co-host at the 2024 CMA Awards, and she lit up the room with her wit. She grabbed the Female Video of the Year trophy that night, and cameras caught her grin.
Crowds streamed into the arena to cheer when she bagged four trophies from six nominations at the ACM Awards on May 11, 2023. Industry outlets like Billboard praised her style and grit in a cover interview.
She also earned Entertainer of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards, sealing her spot as a top country music star.
Takeaways
Wilson shines with Hodges by her side. He cheered her on, in Nashville homes and on red carpet nights. Hodges played in the NFL, then moved into real estate with the property agency.
They met through friends, kept things hushed, then wowed fans at the ACM Awards and on the social app. 2025 brought a ring that nods to her song Heart Like a Truck. Fans see their love like a tune with a strong beat.
Discover more about the talented Lainey Wilson’s journey, including details on her height, by visiting how tall is Lainey Wilson.
FAQs
1. Who is Lainey Wilson dating?
Lainey Wilson is with Devlin “Duck” Hodges. He played college ball at Samford University. He then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Rams, and even had a stint with the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League.
2. How did Lainey Wilson meet Duck Hodges?
They met through mutual friends at the CMA Awards after party. He cracked a joke, she laughed out loud. They hit it off fast, like a fiddle at a hoedown.
3. When did they get engaged?
He popped the question after a duck hunting trip. That bunnie xo engagement ring sparkled bright. Fans cheered when she showed it off, the bride to be glowed. She planned her bridal showers, then they looked at The Knot worldwide.
4. What does Devlin Hodges do off the field?
He runs a real estate career with Mossy Oak Properties and Myers Cobb Realtors. He guides clients to dream homes, like a coach leads a team. He says closing a deal feels like a last-second touchdown.
5. What songs reflect their bond?
Lainey sings about a Heart Like a Truck on her whirlwind album. She weaves love songs with farm life, and fans feel every verse. That blend hits the soul like a summer breeze.
Yes, this country music star will bring him to the ACM Awards. They might hit the Bobby Bones Show or give a Billboard interview. They may swap jokes with Cole Swindell, Morgan Wallen, or Luke Combs over free beer and wine. Fans watch them chase entertainer of the year.
