Laney Wilson Boyfriend: Complete Guide To Her Relationship With Devlin "Duck" Hodges In 2026
Clarification Note: While search queries frequently use the spelling "Laney Wilson," the Grammy-winning country music superstar's name is officially spelled Lainey Wilson. This comprehensive profile explores her relationship with former NFL quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges.
The meteoric rise of country music sensation Lainey Wilson has dominated the charts and awards shows for years. Alongside her professional success, fans and pop-culture enthusiasts have closely followed her personal life. Central to her private world is her long-term partner, Devlin "Duck" Hodges.
As of 2026, their relationship remains one of the most celebrated and grounded partnerships in the country music industry. This profile examines the details of their relationship, Devlin’s athletic background, their public milestones, and how they successfully navigate the pressures of high-profile entertainment careers.
The Genesis of a Country-and-Football Romance
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges began their journey long before they became a regular fixture on Hollywood red carpets. The couple quietly started dating in late 2021, choosing to keep their relationship out of the public eye for nearly two years. This private foundation allowed them to build a strong bond without the intense scrutiny of the media and fan bases.
The public first learned of their connection when Hodges was spotted wearing Wilson's merchandise during her concert run. Their official "hard launch" occurred in May 2023 at the 58th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. Walking the red carpet together, they confirmed their relationship to the world, instantly becoming one of country music’s favorite power couples.
By keeping their early days private, the couple established a solid foundation. Wilson has frequently noted in interviews that Hodges is her biggest cheerleader, providing stability and humor amidst her demanding tour schedules and recording sessions.
Who is Devlin "Duck" Hodges?
To understand the dynamic of this relationship, it is essential to look at the accomplishments of Devlin Hodges. Long before he was known as Lainey Wilson’s partner, Hodges had a distinguished career in professional sports.
College Football Legacy
Hodges played college football at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was a standout quarterback. During his college career, he set the all-time NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) record for career passing yards with 14,584 yards, surpassing the record previously held by NFL legend Steve McNair. In 2018, Hodges won the Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS.
The NFL and "Duck Mania"
In 2019, Hodges signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Following injuries to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and backup Mason Rudolph, Hodges was thrust into the starting lineup. He quickly became a fan favorite, sparking a phenomenon known as "Duck Mania" in Pittsburgh. He led the Steelers to several key victories during the 2019 season, showcasing his poise under pressure and securing his place in modern Steelers lore. He later spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Ottawa Redblacks before transitioning away from professional football.
Origin of the Nickname "Duck"
The moniker "Duck" is not just a football nickname; it stems from Hodges’ childhood and personal talents. He is an avid, champion duck caller. His college coach, Chris Hatcher, began calling him "Duck" due to his obsession with duck hunting, and the name stuck throughout his professional athletic career and subsequent ventures.
See Lainey Wilson's Cutest Moments With Boyfriend Devlin Hodges
Relationship Milestones: A Chronological Overview
The timeline below highlights the major milestones of the relationship between Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges, tracing their journey from their initial private meetings to their current standing in 2026.
| Year | Milestone | Description & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Connection | The couple met in Nashville through mutual friends in the country music and sports circles, starting their relationship privately. |
| 2023 | Red Carpet Debut | Walked the red carpet together at the 58th ACM Awards, officially confirming their relationship to the public. |
| 2024 | Milestone Support | Hodges accompanied Wilson to the 66th Grammy Awards, where she won Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country. |
| 2025 | Creative Muse | Wilson released new music with songs heavily inspired by her stable, long-term partnership with Hodges. |
| 2026 | Present Status | The couple approaches their five-year anniversary, balancing active careers with a shared home life in Tennessee. |
Balancing Fame and Private Life in 2026
Navigating a relationship under the spotlight requires mutual respect and clear boundaries. In 2026, Lainey Wilson’s tour schedule remains exceptionally demanding, yet Hodges is frequently seen supporting her from the side of the stage.
Maintaining Relationship Balance
Mutual Independence: Both partners maintain distinct career paths and personal identities. Hodges has successfully transitioned from professional football into outdoor lifestyle branding, real estate, and hosting endeavors, ensuring he has his own professional fulfillment.
Unwavering Support: Hodges routinely accompanies Wilson to major industry events, gracefully stepping into the role of supportive partner while allowing Wilson's musical achievements to take center stage.
Wilson has pointed out that Hodges' background as a professional athlete makes him uniquely suited to handle the pressures of her fame. Having experienced the intense scrutiny of the NFL, Hodges understands the demands of performance, travel, and public attention, allowing him to offer practical empathy and grounded advice.
Analysis of Their Public Image and Impact
The public response to the couple has been overwhelmingly positive. Unlike many high-profile celebrity relationships that are marked by frequent public drama, Wilson and Hodges have cultivated an image of down-to-earth authenticity.
Why the Public Resonates with Them
- Shared Southern Roots: Wilson, originally from Baskin, Louisiana, and Hodges, from Kimberly, Alabama, share deep-rooted cultural values, a love for the outdoors, and a practical approach to fame.
- Humor and Lightheartedness: Their social media interactions are characterized by playful banter, teasing, and mutual support rather than highly curated, artificial romanticism.
- Professional Respect: Both individuals have achieved elite status in their respective fields—Wilson in music and Hodges in collegiate and professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lainey Wilson's boyfriend in 2026?
Lainey Wilson's boyfriend is Devlin "Duck" Hodges, a former NFL quarterback and champion duck caller. The couple has been together since late 2021, making their first public appearance together in 2023.
Devlin Hodges played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams during his football career. Today, he focuses on outdoor lifestyle ventures, real estate, and supporting Wilson's global country music career.
How did Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges meet?
The couple met in Nashville, Tennessee, in late 2021 through mutual friends who bridged the gap between the country music industry and the sports world. They dated privately for nearly two years before going public.
By keeping their relationship quiet during its initial phases, they were able to build a strong foundation. Wilson has stated that their early privacy was crucial in helping them establish trust away from the public eye.
Why is Devlin Hodges called "Duck"?
Devlin Hodges earned the nickname "Duck" because of his passion for duck hunting and his remarkable skill as a competitive duck caller. His college football coach at Samford University popularized the name.
The nickname followed him to the NFL, where Pittsburgh Steelers fans embraced "Duck Mania" during his time as the starting quarterback in 2019, often wearing duck masks and blowing duck calls in the stadium.
Are Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges married?
As of 2026, Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges are not married, though they remain in a committed, long-term relationship. They continue to share a life together in Tennessee.
While rumors of an engagement frequently circulate in the media, the couple has expressed that they are happy taking their time, focusing on their respective careers, and enjoying their partnership without rushing into marriage.
Does Devlin Hodges still play in the NFL?
No, Devlin Hodges is no longer playing in the NFL. After his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams, and a brief period in the CFL, he retired from professional football.
Since retiring, Hodges has transitioned into media, real estate, and outdoor lifestyle partnerships, which allow him the flexibility to travel and support Wilson on her extensive touring schedules.
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