Lainey Wilson, the award-winning country music star, has been making waves in the music industry for years. From her chart-topping hits to her iconic style, Wilson is a force to be reckoned with. But recently, fans have been just as captivated by her relationship with
former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Their romance, which remained mostly private until their red carpet debut at the 2023 ACM Awards, has been the subject of much curiosity. As the spotlight continues to shine on their relationship, here’s everything we know about Lainey Wilson’s boyfriend, Devlin Hodges, and how their love story has unfolded.
From NFL Fields to Country Music Stages
Devlin “Duck” Hodges, best known for his time as a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has transitioned from the fast-paced world of professional football to a quieter life as a real estate agent. Despite this shift in career, Hodges has found himself once again in the public eye, thanks to his relationship with Wilson. The couple’s love story is one that blossomed under unique circumstances, with both partners navigating major life changes.
Their romance became public knowledge in May 2023, when the couple attended the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards together. Wilson, dressed in her signature bell-bottom pants and a striking green ensemble, walked the red carpet arm-in-arm with Hodges, who sported a casual yet stylish cowboy look. It was the first time they had publicly acknowledged their relationship, though rumors had been swirling for months.
A Relationship Rooted in Mutual Respect
While their public debut was glamorous, the foundation of Wilson and Hodges’ relationship appears to be grounded in something much deeper. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music 1, Wilson shared how she found a partner who truly understands her
career and the demands that come with it. “I finally found a guy that gives me a run for my money,” she said, referring to Hodges. The two share a mutual respect for each other’s dreams and ambitions, something that has helped their relationship thrive despite busy schedules and time apart.
Hodges, who knows firsthand the pressures of pursuing a professional career, has become Wilson’s biggest cheerleader. The country star expressed how much she values having someone by her side who not only supports her but also understands the dedication it takes to chase a dream. “He’s just a good person,” Wilson said of her boyfriend. “And he knows how important chasing down a dream is because even when he was a little boy, football was his life.”
Balancing Busy Lives: The Challenge of Fame and Romance
Like many couples in the spotlight, Wilson and Hodges face the unique challenge of balancing their personal relationship with their professional lives. Both have careers that keep them on the road and in the public eye, but they have found a way to make it work. Wilson has been open about how their relationship dynamic can be both challenging and rewarding.
In the same interview, she revealed that their romance really began to heat up while Hodges was still playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “We met at a time where he was still playing with them, but then it all changed,” Wilson recalled. “It was weird. It was like his life was changing as my life was changing, and we were going in different directions.”
Despite the whirlwind nature of their relationship, Wilson emphasized that they have found a balance that works for them. “We don’t get to see each other as often as some couples do, but we also know what we have is very special,” she said. The country star acknowledged that while it’s hard to be apart, it’s also easy in many ways because they both understand the demands of their respective careers.
Keeping Their Relationship Private
One of the reasons Wilson and Hodges have been able to make their relationship work is their commitment to keeping it private. In a world where celebrity relationships are often scrutinized and dissected by the media, Wilson has chosen to keep much of her personal life out of the public eye. She and Hodges didn’t go public with their relationship until two years after they began dating, despite speculation from fans and the media.
“We want to keep that as sacred as we possibly can between me and him, and so far, it has worked for us,” Wilson said in an interview. This decision to protect their relationship from outside pressures has allowed them to grow closer without the added stress of public scrutiny.
While Wilson has shared glimpses of their relationship on social media and in interviews, she remains careful not to divulge too much. For Wilson, keeping their romance private is a way to ensure that it remains something special and personal between the two of them.
A Supportive Partner in Devlin Hodges
As Wilson continues to climb the ranks in the country music world, she can count on Hodges to be by her side. The former football player has been vocal in his support for Wilson’s music, frequently posting about her songs on social media. In one tweet, Hodges praised her music, writing, “Lainey Wilson damnnn she’s so gooooood.” The couple’s playful interactions on Twitter have only fueled fans’ fascination with their relationship.
At the end of the day, it’s clear that Hodges is more than just a supportive partner. He’s someone who understands the sacrifices and dedication that come with pursuing a dream, and he’s committed to standing by Wilson as she continues to make her mark in the country music industry.
Conclusion
Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges may come from different worlds, but they have found common ground in their shared respect for each other’s careers and dreams. As Wilson continues to dominate the country music scene, she can rely on Hodges to be her biggest cheerleader. Despite their busy lives and time apart, they have found a way to make their relationship work, all while keeping it private and special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Lainey Wilson’s boyfriend? Lainey Wilson is dating former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The couple made their public debut at the 2023 ACM Awards.
2. How long have Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges been together? Wilson and Hodges have been dating since 2021, but they kept their relationship private for two years before going public in 2023.
3. What does Devlin Hodges do now? After retiring from the NFL, Devlin Hodges transitioned to a career in real estate.
4. How did Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges meet? The couple met while Hodges was still playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their relationship began during a time when both were going through major life changes.
5. Why does Lainey Wilson keep her relationship private? Wilson has expressed that she wants to keep her relationship with Hodges as private as possible to protect it from the pressures of public scrutiny. She believes this has helped their relationship thrive.