In a recent appearance on the ‘Game Runs Deep’ podcast, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, husband of country music star Lainey Wilson, opened up about the light-hearted pressures he faces from his friends regarding romantic connections. The former NFL quarterback, who married Wilson in May 2026, admitted that his friends have been nudging him to play matchmaker with fellow artist Ella Langley, which he found to be both amusing and slightly perplexing.
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Hodges, who currently enjoys a blossoming relationship with Wilson, recounted how his mates approach him with requests to connect them with Langley. “Some of my friends, they’ll get with me, and they’ll be like, ‘Dude, set me up with Ella,’” he shared during the podcast episode released on October 26. The 30-year-old athlete reflected on how his own relationship with Wilson, who is 34, may inadvertently be giving his friends unrealistic expectations.
“I felt bad because I gave all these guys false hope that if I did it, they can do it,” Hodges confessed in a moment of candid vulnerability. The phrase ‘false hope’ encapsulated his concern that, in showcasing his own successful romance, he might be leading his friends to believe they could easily achieve similar outcomes.
Not only did this revelation highlight the amusing dynamics of friendship, but it also underscored the admiration his friends have for his relationship. Hodges remarked on how, since moving from Pittsburgh and venturing into a committed partnership with Wilson, there has been a noticeable lift in his friends’ perception of him, with many referring to him as the “GOAT,” or greatest of all time.
Reflecting on how he first connected with Wilson musically, Hodges reminisced about hearing her songs playing on the radio. This sparked his intrigue, prompting him to delve into her social media profiles, where he discovered her Louisiana roots and adventurous spirit, particularly her fondness for four-wheelers. It was this blend of personal interest and charm that encouraged him to reach out and ask her out on a date.
The couple’s love story began in 2021 when they were introduced through mutual acquaintances. However, the public did not see their relationship take flight until May 2023 when Hodges accompanied Wilson to the Academy of Country Music Awards. This marked a pivotal moment, finally bringing their romance into the limelight.
In February 2025, the couple took another significant step in their relationship by announcing their engagement, which came as a thrill to both their families and fans. Amusingly, Wilson previously quipped during another interview that she had anticipated their engagement and even playfully suggested she felt she might end up proposing herself if Hodges did not act swiftly.
Their wedding, celebrated in Tennessee, solidified their vows and commitment to one another, marking a new chapter in both their lives. Not only does Hodges enjoy the perks of having a successful partner in the music industry, but he also relishes the stories and lessons that come with navigating life as a couple in the public eye.
As their relationship continues to flourish, Hodges remains grateful for the support of his friends while also maintaining a sense of humour about their matchmaking requests. Despite the playful banter regarding romantic setups, he seems focused on enjoying his marriage to Wilson and cherishing the shared adventures that lie ahead.
In a world often dominated by the complexities of celebrity culture, Hodges’ reflections remind us that even public figures face light-hearted expectations from their peers. Whether it’s navigating friendships, romance, or the whims of fans, the journey of love remains uniquely personal and sometimes hilariously complicated, regardless of one’s fame. As Duck and Lainey continue to build their lives together, they are sure to create many more memorable moments – both publicly and privately.
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