What does Devlin Hodges do now? All about Lainey Wilson’s fiancé and former NFL player amid ACM artist of the year speech shoutout

Lainey Wilson, 32, expressed her love and gratitude for her parents and her fiancé, Devlin Hodges, winning the Female Artist of the Year recognition at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.

At the event hosted at the Ford Center, Frisco, on May 8, she thanked her loved ones for rooting for her.

"Mom and Daddy are here tonight. I love y’all. My fiancé, Duck, love you. I have the best team in the world, the best team who just work their tails off."

Devlin Hodges is a former NFL player. Currently, he works at Mossy Oak Properties as a real estate agent. Also, he is the CEO of Club Country.

Appreciating Crystal Gayle, Gretchen Wilson, Judd, Martina McBride, and Sara Evans, sharing the stage with her, Lainey said during her acceptance speech,

"My legs are numb. I can’t believe that I’m getting to stand up here with all these ladies that I was influenced by."

She conveyed her affection for the iconic country music singers, saying,

"Every single one of y’all means so much to me."

Wilson also showed her love for nominees, Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Megan Moroney, conveying,

"I just wanna say to every single one of these girls in this category, I couldn’t do this without y’all. I couldn’t. This is a wild ride, and it’s nice to be able to have people to call and relate to."

She further continued,

I’m so proud of every single one of y’all. The girls are kicking down some barn doors. Thank you so much, Jesus. Here’s to the girls!"

Everything we know about former NFL star Devlin Hodges, Lainey Wilson’s fiancé

During his tenure as an athlete, Devlin Hodges played as a quarterback for Samford University. He received a Bachelor's degree from the university after studying from 2014 to 2018.

Later, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Los Angeles Rams. The NFL star played eight games for the first time. His first seven appearances were from the 2019 season. In 2021, he joined the Los Angeles Rams. However, he was not a part of a single regular-season game

After his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams, he "migrated north to play in the Canadian football league for the Ottawa Red Blacks," according to his LinkedIn bio.

Devlin Hodges retired from the sport in 2022. While confirming his retirement, he expressed his gratitude to the Canadian Football League. He said,

"I have gained a lot of respect for the CFL and its fans – particularly RNation. I’m excited to see what the future holds but I know that the next chapter in my life is going to be fun."

He made a pivot in his profession and joined the real estate industry. In 2022, he joined Mossy Oak Properties in Arkansas.

In his LinkedIn bio, Devlin explains his role, stating,

"I am back and forth between Arkansas and Nashville."

The former athlete also described himself as "hard working, dependable," and a quick learner.

"I am all about having a good personality and enjoying life one day at a time! I think sports has taught me all the skills I need to be successful in life. I enjoy the outdoors and love to hunt," he further added.

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Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges have been together since 2021, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. While they kept their relationship private for nearly two years, they confirmed their romance in 2023.

On May 11, 2023, the couple appeared on the Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet, making their debut as a couple, per People Magazine.

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