Devlin Hodges Net Worth in 2024: A Journey from Undrafted Rookie to NFL Millionaire
Devlin Hodges, who is more commonly referred to as “Duck,” has made quite a name for himself in the football world. While he may not have been drafted into the NFL, his remarkable journey from a small-town kid to a professional quarterback has been inspiring and financially rewarding. This article will dive deep into Devlin Hodges net worth, examining his earnings, career, endorsement deals, investments, and the lessons he’s learned.
Who is Devlin Hodges?
Devlin Patrick Hodges was born in Kimberly, Alabama, on April 12, 1996. From a young age, Hodges showed a football talent. However, his route to professional sports was far from conventional. Unlike many NFL stars drafted in high rounds, Hodges was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite this, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him as a free agent, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Not only did Hodges make an impression with his performance on the field, but he also became a social media sensation, earning the nickname “Duck” due to his duck-calling skills. His nickname, tenacity, and hard work made him a fan favorite, eventually contributing to his financial growth.
Devlin Hodges NFL Career
Devlin Hodges NFL journey started in 2019 when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. His rookie year was marked by notable achievements, such as setting an NFL record for the most passing yards by an undrafted rookie in their debut game. His time with the Steelers was brief but memorable, and he earned respect for his work ethic and performance.
Although he didn’t secure a starting position, his contributions to the team didn’t go unnoticed. In the 2020 season, Hodges briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, further showcasing his resilience in the highly competitive NFL environment.
Even though Hodges played for only two seasons in the NFL (2019-2020), his time in the league gave him invaluable experience and financial rewards.
Devlin Hodges Net Worth 2024: How Much Has He Made?
As of 2024, Devlin Hodges net worth is around $2 million. This is an impressive sum, considering he was undrafted and started his NFL career with a modest salary. Let’s break down the key sources of his earnings:
NFL Contracts and Salary
Hodges’ rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 included a base salary of $495,000. This was a typical figure for an undrafted free agent, especially compared to the multi-million dollar contracts secured by higher draft picks. Despite the modest pay, Hodges made the most of his opportunity, earning additional practice squad earnings and appearing on the field.
Though the financial benefits of his NFL career were not as lucrative as some of the star quarterbacks, Hodges still earned a solid income during his time in the league. The total earnings from his NFL contracts throughout his career are estimated at $610,000.
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
While Devlin Hodges didn’t secure any major national endorsement deals, he leveraged his unique persona for regional sponsorships. Hodges is known for his duck-calling skills, which earned him a spot as the Alabama State Duck Calling Championship champion at age 3. His love for outdoor sports and hunting opened doors for partnerships with hunting gear companies and local businesses. These endorsement deals helped supplement his income, contributing significantly to his net worth.
Post-NFL Ventures and Business Opportunities
After his stint in the NFL, Devlin Hodges did not fade into obscurity. He has continued to build his brand and income in various ways. Hodges transitioned into the outdoor sports industry, maintaining a solid media presence. He became involved in outdoor sports programming, working as a hunting guide and appearing on podcasts and channels focused on outdoor activities.
Hodges has also expanded his business ventures, participating in football coaching camps and providing quarterback training. These endeavors allow him to leverage his NFL experience while reaching a broader audience of aspiring athletes.
How Devlin Hodges Built His Net Worth: The Key Elements
Smart Financial Management
While Hodges’ earnings may not have been as high as some top NFL stars, he managed his finances wisely. He adopted a conservative financial approach, focusing on low-risk investments and avoiding extravagant spending. By living modestly and maintaining a practical lifestyle, Hodges ensured his earnings were preserved for long-term economic stability.
Real Estate Investments
Though specifics about his real estate ventures are not publicly available, it’s believed that Hodges made smart, low-risk investments in property, particularly in his home state of Alabama. Like many athletes, investing in real estate provides a stable source of income and financial growth outside of his sports career. This conservative yet effective investment strategy has helped bolster his long-term net worth.
Media Presence and Branding
In today’s digital age, an athlete’s social media presence plays a crucial role in their ability to generate income. Hodges understood this and made sure to build an active social media following. By regularly engaging with fans and appearing on outdoor sports channels, he has maintained relevance in the sports and media industries.
His branding efforts, particularly in outdoor sports, have enabled him to expand his sources of revenue beyond football. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped keep his fanbase engaged, thus opening up opportunities for sponsorship deals and business ventures.
Devlin Hodges Charitable Work and Community Impact
While Hodges may not have earned as much as some of his NFL counterparts, he has consistently used his platform for good. He is involved in youth football programs in Alabama and regularly participates in community events focused on outdoor education. His philanthropic efforts have helped his brand and positively impacted the lives of young athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in his local community.
Lessons From Devlin Hodges Career
Devlin Hodges journey to the NFL serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring athletes. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Hard Work Pays Off: Despite being undrafted, Hodges’ dedication and perseverance allowed him to make a name for himself in the NFL.
- Leverage Unique Skills: Hodges used his duck-calling abilities to build a unique personal brand that helped him secure endorsements and media appearances.
- Financial Prudence: By managing his money wisely, Hodges ensured that his earnings would last long after his NFL career ended.
What Does the Future Hold for Devlin Hodges?
While Hodges may have stepped away from professional football, his future remains bright. His ventures in outdoor sports, coaching, and media presence continue to offer him opportunities for financial growth. With a growing brand and a strategic investment approach, Hodges will likely see his net worth increase in the coming years.
Hodges’ story is one of resilience and adaptability. It demonstrates that success in professional sports can translate into long-term financial stability with the right mindset, even if one’s time in the spotlight is brief.
Conclusion: Devlin Hodges Net Worth and Legacy
In conclusion, Devlin Hodges net worth of around $2 million in 2024 reflects his success as an NFL player and his ability to build a sustainable career outside of football. From being an undrafted rookie to managing multiple business ventures, Hodges’ story highlights the power of hard work, smart financial decisions, and a unique personal brand.
Hodges may not have made millions through his NFL contracts. Still, his smart investments, modest lifestyle, and diversification of income sources have helped him build a comfortable and growing net worth. His financial future looks promising as he continues to expand his business ventures and maintain a strong presence in the outdoor sports community.
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