Unraveling The Legacy Of Duck Hodges: A Journey Through Football And Beyond

By Tyreek Conn DVMJul 14, 2025

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a football player's story stick with you, long after their last snap? It's often not just about the touchdowns or the wins, but the whole winding path they took, the moments where things seemed to come together, or perhaps, in a way, started to come apart. Today, we're going to take a closer look at something quite interesting: unraveling the legacy of Duck Hodges, a journey through football and beyond. We'll explore his time on the field and what his life has looked like since, trying to make sense of all the different parts.

For many, the name "Duck Hodges" brings back memories of a particular time in professional football, a period where an unexpected player stepped into the spotlight. His story, you see, is a bit like a complex fabric; there are many threads woven together, some tight and strong, others perhaps a little loose, almost as if they're starting to fray. We're going to try and disentangle these threads, to understand the person behind the helmet, and what his unique path really tells us.

So, what does it mean to truly unravel a legacy? Well, it's about more than just listing stats or game results. It's about pulling back the layers, much like you might untwist a tangled rope, to see the individual strands that make up the whole picture. We're talking about the experiences, the challenges, and the quiet triumphs that shaped him, both on and off the field. It's a look at how his story developed, and how it continues to resonate with people, even now.

Who is Duck Hodges? A Quick Look at His Story
Early Days and College Glory
The NFL Chapter: A Brief But Memorable Stint
Beyond the Gridiron: Life After Pro Football
What His Story Shows Us
Frequently Asked Questions About Duck Hodges

Who is Duck Hodges? A Quick Look at His Story

Devlin "Duck" Hodges, as many know him, became a household name for a short while, especially for fans of a certain NFL team. His path to professional football was, in some respects, quite unusual, and his time there was certainly memorable, if brief. He captured the attention of many with his calm demeanor and, well, his unique nickname. It's that kind of story, really, that makes you want to dig a little deeper.

To really get a feel for his journey, it helps to have some of the basic facts laid out. His career has had its ups and downs, as most do, but his resilience and spirit have always seemed to shine through. He's a good example, I think, of someone who made the most of his opportunities, even when things might have felt like they were starting to come undone.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Devlin "Duck" Hodges

Detail	Information
Full Name	Devlin Hodges
Nickname	Duck
Born	June 20, 1996
Birthplace	Kimberly, Alabama
College	Samford University
Position	Quarterback
NFL Draft	Undrafted (2019)
NFL Teams	Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams
Other Leagues	CFL (Canadian Football League), USFL (United States Football League)

You see, his story really begins long before he ever stepped onto an NFL field. It started in Alabama, a place where football is, quite literally, a way of life. His early experiences, the lessons he learned, and the challenges he faced, all played a part in shaping the player and the person he would become. It's interesting, too, how those early threads can sometimes reappear later on.

Early Days and College Glory

Before the bright lights of the NFL, Devlin Hodges was making a name for himself in the college ranks, particularly at Samford University. His time there was, in a way, a period of remarkable growth and success. He wasn't just a participant; he was a standout, setting records and leading his team with a flair that caught the eye of many. It was during these years that his potential, his ability to perform under pressure, really started to become clear.

He broke numerous school and conference records, showing a knack for throwing the football and, more importantly, for winning games. His senior year was particularly impressive, where he led the entire Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in passing yards. This kind of performance, you know, makes people take notice. It was a time when the threads of his football career were really starting to weave together into something special.

His college career also saw him earn the Walter Payton Award, which is essentially the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. That's a pretty big deal, actually. It speaks volumes about his talent and his impact on the game at that level. For someone who would later go undrafted, his college resume was, in some respects, truly stellar, laying a very solid foundation for what was to come.

The NFL Chapter: A Brief But Memorable Stint

When the NFL draft came and went without his name being called, it might have felt like his plans were starting to unravel a little bit. But that's the thing about Devlin Hodges; he didn't give up. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent, which is, you know, a tough path to make it in the pros. He had to really fight for a spot, and he did.

His moment in the sun came during the 2019 season when injuries to the starting quarterbacks opened the door for him. He stepped in and, for a while, became a genuine story. He won his first start, becoming the first undrafted rookie quarterback since 1991 to do so. That's a pretty remarkable feat, honestly. He brought a certain energy, a kind of grit that fans really responded to. His play, though sometimes a bit wild, often resulted in wins, and people started to talk about the "Duck" effect.

However, as often happens in the NFL, the threads of his starting role began to loosen. Performance dipped, and eventually, he was benched. It's a tough business, professional football, and sometimes, even when you've had some success, things can shift very quickly. His time with the Steelers, while short, was certainly impactful, giving fans some truly memorable moments and showing what a determined player can achieve, even when the odds are stacked against them. After his stint with the Steelers, he also spent some time with the Los Angeles Rams, though he didn't see game action there.

Beyond the Gridiron: Life After Pro Football

After his NFL journey came to a close, Devlin Hodges didn't just disappear. His football story, you know, continued in other leagues, showing his enduring love for the game. He spent time in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Ottawa Redblacks, and then later, he joined the United States Football League (USFL), playing for the Birmingham Stallions. These moves illustrate a persistent drive, a desire to keep playing the sport he cares about, even if it's not on the biggest stage.

It's interesting, really, to see how athletes adapt when their primary career path changes. For Hodges, the transition has also involved exploring other passions. He's a very keen outdoorsman, with a strong interest in hunting and fishing. This aspect of his life, which was always present, has perhaps become more central since his professional football career wound down. It shows a different side of him, a connection to nature and a lifestyle that's quite distinct from the high-pressure world of professional sports.

His post-NFL life, in some respects, is still being written. He's found ways to stay connected to the game he loves, while also pursuing other interests. It's a good reminder that a person's identity is much broader than just their job title, especially when that job is something as demanding as professional sports. His story, you could say, is still unraveling, revealing new chapters and new directions as time goes on. Learn more about former athletes' transitions on our site.

What His Story Shows Us

The journey of Devlin "Duck" Hodges offers some really valuable lessons, I think. First off, it's a powerful example of perseverance. Here's a player who wasn't drafted, yet he made it to the NFL and even started games. That takes a huge amount of determination and belief in yourself, even when the path ahead isn't perfectly clear. It shows that sometimes, you just have to keep pushing, even if things feel like they're starting to come apart around you.

Secondly, his story highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports. One moment you're the hero, the next, things can change. It's a very competitive environment, and careers can be quite short. His brief but impactful time in the NFL is a testament to how quickly opportunities can arise and, just as quickly, recede. It's a reminder that success isn't always linear, and sometimes, the best laid plans can, in a way, unravel.

Finally, Hodges' story is about finding purpose and fulfillment beyond the game. While football was a huge part of his life, he's shown that there's a whole world of possibilities outside of it. Whether it's through other leagues or pursuing hobbies like hunting, he's continued to live a life that seems authentic to him. His journey, then, is a really good example of how a person's life story continues to unfold, even after a significant chapter closes. It's about finding new ways to put the pieces back together, or rather, to weave new threads into the fabric of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duck Hodges

What did Duck Hodges do before the NFL?

Before making it to the NFL, Devlin "Duck" Hodges was a standout quarterback at Samford University, a Division I FCS school. He set numerous school and conference records during his college career. In fact, he won the Walter Payton Award in 2018, which recognizes the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. This award is a very significant achievement, as it highlights his exceptional performance and leadership at that level of college football. His college days, you know, were truly impressive, laying the groundwork for his professional aspirations.

Why did Duck Hodges stop playing in the NFL?

Devlin Hodges' time in the NFL was relatively short, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He initially stepped in due to injuries to other quarterbacks and had a memorable run, but eventually, his performance dipped, and he was benched. The NFL is an incredibly competitive league, and roster spots are always changing. After his stint with the Steelers and a brief period with the Los Angeles Rams, he moved on to play in other professional leagues, like the CFL and USFL, showing his continued passion for the game. Sometimes, you know, things just don't quite work out in the way you hoped.

Is Duck Hodges still involved with football?

Yes, Devlin "Duck" Hodges has continued to be involved with football after his NFL days. He played quarterback in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Ottawa Redblacks and later in the United States Football League (USFL) for the Birmingham Stallions. While he might not be on an NFL roster, he has kept his connection to the sport strong by playing in these other professional leagues. It shows, too, that his love for the game is still very much alive, even if it's on a different stage. He's found ways to keep those football threads woven into his life.

The story of Devlin "Duck" Hodges is, quite simply, a compelling one. It's a narrative that shows the highs and lows of a professional sports career, but more importantly, it highlights the resilience of the human spirit. From setting records in college to a surprising run in the NFL, and then finding new paths in other leagues and personal pursuits, his journey offers many valuable insights. It reminds us that a person's legacy is not just about one chapter, but about the entire unfolding story, how the different parts come together, or sometimes, how they unravel and lead to something new. His story, you know, is still being told, and it's a good one to keep an eye on. For more inspiring sports stories, you can always link to this page here.

Learn more about Devlin Hodges' career stats.

The legend of Duck Hodges could grow on Sunday Night Football

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