By: John Walker, @realjohnwalker
In 2019, the Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a roller coaster of a year. A season ending injury to future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in Week 2 left Pittsburgh scrambling to find a signal caller for the remainder of their season. After trading Josh Dobbs to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Steelers were set to roll with second-year man Mason Rudolph, and undrafted rookie free agent Devlin “Duck” Hodges.
I recently got to sit down with Hodges, now one year removed from his improbable journey from undrafted rookie free agent, to starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We asked you guys to send us some of your questions so we can learn more about “The Duck” both on and off the field. Now with that ever so important first year under his belt, Hodges gave us some insight on what he took away from his rookie season in the NFL when Duck-Mania took over Steeler Nation.
Going into training camp last year, as an undrafted rookie, did you ever possibly imagine you would be the starting quarterback for the Steelers for so many games?
Definitely not. Definitely not, like, that year. You know I always thought that I would eventually become a starter in the NFL, but definitely not that soon. It was crazy, and, I don’t think anyone imagined I’d start that many games you know? I really tell people that I think I learned more from the last 3 games. You know I kind of struggled the last 3 games. But I learned more the last 3 games than I did the games we won. So I learned a lot last year and I’m just excited to kind of get going again.
How difficult was it for you to adjust to the speed of the NFL compared to college?
Man, I think it helped a lot that I had a really good camp. I think what helped the most is the first couple of weeks going against our defensive scout team. Dude our defense is one of the best in the league, if not the best. So, just going against them every day in practice really helped. And at the end of the day, I don’t care what anyone says as far as where you played at in college. You still gotta throw the ball and complete the ball so that part to me is the same.
Was your preparation going into this year any different because of COVID-19?
I didn’t prepare differently as far as the way I trained and stuff. Obviously we didn’t have as many guys to throw to, and we got kicked off a couple different fields every now and then, but I don’t know. I don't know what’s all gonna happen. I think when we actually start practicing we only get 12 to 14 practices before game week.
(Yeah I feel terrible for all the undrafted guys. Even you, imagine if you wouldn't even have had a chance)
Dude, that’s what I tell everyone. If I would’ve came out this year man, none of this would've ever happened. None of it.
Now that you went through your first camp and season and got all those starts, is your confidence any different heading into your second year?
Man, I was just as confident last year as I am going into this year. So nothing different there. But obviously, Ben is back so I’m really excited too, and I’ve never done this, like I’ve never not played so it’s going to be different. But it’s really exciting just to be able to sit back and just kinda watch him.
Which players in the locker room did you lean on the most for advice, or who helped you the most?
Everyone kinda did, but obviously some of the older guys. My locker was right next to Al and Pouncey, and then I had Ramon so some of those older vet guys. I talked to them a lot and just kind of hearing the way they talk and the way they go about the season was really just the best advice.
What was your favorite moment from the 2019 season?
My favorite moment. Man, that’s tough. Obviously my first start is up there because you know it’s your first start. But if I had to pick my absolute favorite moment from the season I would have to say it was from the home game against the Browns. It was my first home game as the starter, and when they did player intros I was the last named called and the last guy running out of the tunnel. That’s when it really hits you, and it was just awesome. So that moment in particular has to be my favorite one from last year.
Which teammate are you closest with?
I know ya’ll always see me and Banner going back and forth on social media, and I swear we’re close. I promise we’re really close. But there’s a few guys I could say. James Washington obviously. Me and him are really close. Zach Gentry, too. Also, Benny Snell as well is another one I will name. Benny is such a great human being. I genuinely like and get along with everyone on the team and could say a bunch of different names.
Now that we talked about some of your favorite teammates, what about the city? What is your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
My favorite thing, and this might sound crazy, but my favorite thing is how all the professional teams are the same colors. You just don’t normally have that. So I mean that’s up there, and also, it kinda really does remind me of home a little bit. Because Birmingham is “The Iron City” and you guys are “The Steel City”. So you take all the rivers and professional sports out of it, it’s very, very similar.
Lastly. You didn’t really have a pro team growing up, so who did you try to emulate and play like?
Yeah, Brett Favre. He’s from Mississippi, I’m from Alabama, and growing up he was just one of my favorites. And it’s like funny because his agent is now my agent.
(Did you ever get to do anything with Brett? Any hunting trips or anything?)
Nah we haven’t done anything yet. My agent said he would like for us to get together and have him work with me a time or two though.
That concluded my interview with Hodges. On a personal note, I would like to thank Duck for taking a few moments out of his day to talk with us. He was absolutely fantastic to work with, and I can see why all of his teammates love being around him. I had a blast, and can’t wait until the next opportunity to talk with him.
On behalf of #SteelerNation, I’d like to wish Duck the best of health and success this upcoming season here in Pittsburgh!
