The Pittsburgh Steelers signed little-known quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2019. After being waived and later brought back to the practice squad, Hodges was called up to the active roster when Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury during the 2019 season.
On October 6, 2019, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph was knocked out of a game against the Baltimore Ravens in brutal fashion, forcing Hodges into action. He couldn't lead the Steelers to victory, as they fell 26-23 in overtime. Hodges completed seven of his nine pass attempts for 68 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Hodges went 3-3 as a starter, winning his first three games, but never doing quite enough to secure a long-term NFL career. Despite this, he remains a fan favorite and stays actively involved with the Steelers community. Roethlisberger considers Hodges a close friend and recently hosted him on his Footbahlin podcast, posted Tuesday on the Channel Seven YouTube channel. The two reminisced about their early memories, with Roethlisberger sharing the exact moment he gained a deep respect for the undrafted quarterback.
"When it was your job, I would say the same thing to Duck," Roethlisberger said. "I told him, 'I am here as much as you want. Use me whenever you need,' and you were like, 'Ok I will.' Literally, it was questions, and they won the game, and he kept asking questions, and I kept helping out. Man, I respected that. You won the game, but you kept trying to get better."
Roethlisberger has faced questions about his role in mentoring Rudolph and other quarterbacks behind him. However, he made it clear that he was always there to help.
He gained even more respect for Hodges when, despite winning games, the young quarterback continued reaching out, eager to learn and improve. Roethlisberger emphasized just how much admiration he developed for Hodges throughout that season.
"I think that helped our friendship as much as anything," Roethlisberger said. "I respected how he went about his craft. I am not trying to throw shade at Mason, but I want to lift up Duck for how he approached the game and ran with his opportunity."
After his time in Pittsburgh, Hodges attempted to extend his football career, but ultimately stepped away from the game. The Steelers waived him on September 6, 2020, before signing him to the practice squad the following day. His contract expired at the end of the season, and on January 25, 2021, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
However, his stint in Los Angeles was short-lived, as he was waived on August 23, 2021. Determined to keep playing, Hodges took his talents to the CFL, joining the Ottawa Redblacks. After one season in Canada, he officially retired from football. Despite stepping away from the game, he remains a beloved figure among Steelers fans, frequently engaging with them on social media and sharing his continued support for the team.
Steelers' Devlin "Duck" Hodges Quickly Became A Fan Favorite In The Steel City
Though his NFL career was brief, Hodges left a lasting impression on Steelers fans with his underdog story and gritty performances. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a starting quarterback in Pittsburgh is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the game.
While his playing days are over, his connection to the Steelers remains strong, and he continues to embrace his role as a fan favorite. Whether through social media interactions or appearances on podcasts, Hodges’ bond with Steeler Nation endures, proving that some players leave an impact far beyond their time on the field. It's exciting for Steelers fans to hear Hodges reflect on his time with the team, including his relationship with Roethlisberger. Despite his short stint in Pittsburgh, he undeniably left a lasting impression.
