Devlin “Duck” Hodges, born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly Alabama is an American former professional football quarterback who made a notable, albeit brief, mark in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hodges quickly became a fan favorite, largely due to his perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. In this article, we will explore Devlin Hodges’ career highlights, personal background, and, of course, his net worth, shedding light on the factors that contributed to his earnings and financial journey.
Early Life and Background
Devlin Patrick Hodges was born and raised in Kimberly, Alabama, a small town where he developed a love for football. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters), Hodges excelled as a quarterback during his high school years, setting the stage for a successful college career. He enrolled at Samford University, where his talents truly shone.
At Samford, Hodges broke several records and won the prestigious Walter Payton Award in 2018, recognizing him as the best offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). His remarkable college career made him one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Samford history and set him on the path to the NFL, despite going undrafted in 2019.
Devlin Hodge NFL Career
In 2019, Devlin Hodges signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. While he wasn’t initially a starter, his chance to shine came when injuries sidelined the Steeler starting quarterbacks. Devlin Hodges Net Worth Hodges stepped in as a starting quarterback, and in his debut game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he led the team to a victory, earning recognition for his calm and composed performance.
Hodges continued to play as the backup quarterback for the Steelers through the 2019 season, earning a spot in several games and contributing to the team successes. However, his role remained limited, and despite his initial success, he was eventually waived by the Steelers in 2020. He briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams practice squad but did not secure a spot on the active roster. His NFL career, though brief, was marked by moments of success and resilience.
Career Achievements and Recognition
Although his time in the NFL was short Devlin Hodges career was not without accomplishments. His standout achievement came during his college years at Samford University, where he broke multiple records. His crowning glory was winning the 2018 Walter Payton Award, an honor given to the top offensive player in the FCS.
In the NFL, Hodges gained attention for his performances as a backup quarterback, notably leading the Steelers to several victories in 2019. His time with the team may have been brief, but he earned respect for stepping into the starting role and performing admirably under pressure.
Devlin Hodges Net Worth: A Breakdown
As of 2024, Devlin Hodges’ net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, adjusted for inflation. Although this is a modest figure when compared to some of his more high-profile NFL counterparts, it is a considerable achievement for a player whose career was relatively short. Let’s take a closer look at the sources contributing to his net worth.
NFL Contracts and Earnings
The primary source of income for professional football players is their contract with an NFL team. As an undrafted rookie in 2019, Hodges’ salary was significantly lower than that of high-profile starters. His contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers included a rookie salary of approximately $495,000 for the 2019 season, with additional performance-based incentives. However, as a backup quarterback, he did not earn the substantial multi-million-dollar salaries that starting quarterbacks often enjoy.
While his earnings from the NFL were not as lucrative as some of his peers, Hodges did earn valuable experience and developed a professional reputation during his time with the Steelers and the Rams.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
In addition to his salary, NFL players often earn additional income from endorsements and sponsorships. However, as a backup quarterback who spent limited time in the starting role, Hodges likely did not have access to high-paying endorsement deals. Major endorsement opportunities tend to go to well-known, star players, and Hodges’ more limited profile in the league may have led to fewer endorsement opportunities.
Still, it is likely that Hodges participated in regional or local advertising campaigns, which would have added to his overall net worth. Athletes at his level often rely on these smaller deals to supplement their income.
Post-NFL Career and Business Ventures
After his NFL career ended, Hodges likely sought new ways to build his wealth. Many former athletes invest in real estate, coaching, or start their own businesses after leaving the sport. Devlin Hodges Net Worth While there is limited public information about Hodges activities post-NFL, it is possible that he has taken steps to secure his financial future through other ventures.
One of Hodges known passions is the outdoors, particularly duck calling, which earned him the nickname “Duck.” His interest in outdoor activities might lead to business opportunities or sponsorships related to the outdoors, potentially contributing to his net worth.
Key Factors Affecting Devlin Hodge Net Worth
Several factors have influenced the trajectory of Hodges’ net worth, including the following:
Career Longevity
Hodges’ relatively short career in the NFL has had a direct impact on his net worth. Players who spend longer periods in the league often have the opportunity to accumulate more wealth, whether through higher salaries, endorsement deals, or investment opportunities. Unfortunately, due to injuries and team changes, Hodges’ NFL career was not as long as some other players’, which has limited his earning potential.
Role and Performance
As a backup quarterback, Hodges did not have the same high-profile role that many starting quarterbacks enjoy. The starting quarterback position is one of the most lucrative in the NFL, with players often securing multi-million-dollar contracts and large endorsement deals. As a backup, Hodges earned significantly less and did not receive the same level of visibility that would lead to major sponsorships.
Post-NFL Career Opportunities
Many former NFL players turn to business ventures, coaching, or media appearances to continue earning money after their playing days are over. While details about Hodges’ post-NFL ventures are sparse, his passion for the outdoors and his reputation as an athlete may present opportunities to build wealth outside of football. Whether through media work, business ventures, or sponsorships, these opportunities can contribute to his overall net worth.
Public Perception and Branding
Hodges, while beloved by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not have the same widespread fame as other NFL stars. This means he likely had fewer opportunities to land major endorsement deals or lucrative sponsorships, which could have impacted his net worth.
Conclusion: Devlin Hodges’ Financial Journey
Devlin “Duck” Hodges financial journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. While his time in the NFL was brief, his accomplishments on the field and his earnings from his rookie contract contributed to his overall net worth. Hodges’ net worth is currently estimated at around $1.5 million, a figure that reflects his success on the field and the business decisions he may have made after his football career.
Hodges’ story serves as a reminder that success in professional sports is not solely defined by fame and fortune. His journey, marked by perseverance and the ability to capitalize on every opportunity, demonstrates that success can come in many forms, even for those who don’t make it to the highest echelons of their profession. While his net worth may not be as high as that of some of his peers, Hodges’ career is an inspiring example of how determination can lead to financial success, even in a short-lived professional career.Read More FameView.Org