Everything About NFL's Duck Hodges: The Untold Story

Miss Grace Gerlach DVM 21 May 2025

Who is Duck Hodges?

Ever wondered if an undrafted player could actually make a significant impact in the cutthroat world of the NFL? Duck Hodges defied the odds, stepping onto the field and briefly captivating the hearts of Steelers fans with his unexpected rise and folksy charm. He wasn't a first-round pick or a highly touted prospect; he was a quarterback who embodied perseverance and the undying dream of making it big against all expectations.

Daniel "Duck" Hodges is indeed a former American football quarterback, his name now etched in the annals of the National Football League (NFL), albeit not quite in the way many envisioned. He donned the jerseys of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, showcasing a blend of grit and determination that resonated with fans and teammates alike. His journey began at Samford University, where he honed his skills and earned recognition, ultimately leading to his shot at the professional level as an undrafted free agent signed by the Steelers in 2019.

Duck Hodges: Bio and Career Information
Full Name	Daniel "Duck" Hodges
Date of Birth	August 6, 1996
Place of Birth	Oneonta, Alabama
High School	Mortimer Jordan High School (Kimberly, AL)
College	Samford University
NFL Teams	Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-2020, 2022), Cleveland Browns (2020-2022)
Position	Quarterback
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	210 lb (95 kg)
Undrafted	2019
NFL Debut	2019
Career Highlights	Starting 6 games for Steelers in 2019 after Roethlisberger's injury
Official NFL Website

Hodges arrival in the NFL was hardly heralded, but opportunity knocked when Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers' stalwart quarterback, suffered an injury in 2019. Thrust into the spotlight, Hodges made his NFL debut, taking the reins and starting six games for the Steelers. He navigated the pressures of the league, amassing 1,063 passing yards, tossing five touchdowns, and facing the inevitable challenges with eight interceptions. While his statistics may not scream stardom, his presence provided a spark for a team grappling with unexpected adversity.

The NFL is a business as much as it is a sport, and in 2020, Hodges found himself traded to the Cleveland Browns, a team perpetually seeking quarterback stability. In Cleveland, he assumed the role of backup quarterback for two seasons, offering support and readiness behind Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum. It was a different chapter, one that demanded patience and a commitment to team success, even from the sidelines.

Professional football can be a whirlwind, and Hodges experienced its unpredictable nature firsthand. After being waived by the Browns in 2022, he briefly circled back to familiar territory, signing with the Steelers' practice squad. However, his return was short-lived, as he was released before the commencement of the regular season, marking another turn in his evolving career narrative.

Those who watched Hodges play often noted his notable attributes. He possessed a strong arm, capable of delivering throws with velocity and precision. Mobility was another asset, allowing him to extend plays and create opportunities outside the pocket. Beyond the physical tools, Hodges was also recognized for his grasp of the game's intricacies, demonstrating an ability to process information quickly and make sound decisions under pressure.

Duck Hodges' story extends beyond the statistics and transactions. He represents the dreams of countless undrafted players striving to carve out a place in the NFL. While he may not have ascended to the heights of perennial All-Pros, his journey encapsulates the spirit of competition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in a league that demands nothing less. His time on the field, however brief, left an impression, a reminder that even in the face of long odds, the possibility of achieving a dream remains alive.

Duck Hodges is a former American football quarterback. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

Quarterback
Steelers
Browns
Samford University
Undrafted free agent
Practice squad

These key aspects highlight Hodges' career in the NFL. He was a quarterback who played for the Steelers and Browns. He went to Samford University and was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. He was also a member of the Steelers' practice squad.

A quarterback is a position in American football responsible for leading the offense and calling the plays. They receive the ball from the center at the start of each play and are then responsible for either handing the ball off to a running back, throwing it to a receiver, or running it themselves.

Duck Hodges is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. He played college football at Samford University and was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Hodges made his NFL debut in 2019, starting six games for the Steelers after Ben Roethlisberger was injured. He finished the season with 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions. In 2020, Hodges was traded to the Browns, where he served as the backup quarterback for two seasons.

After being waived by the Browns in 2022, Hodges signed with the Steelers' practice squad. However, he was released before the start of the regular season.

Hodges is known for his strong arm and mobility. He also has a good understanding of the game and is able to make quick decisions.

The quarterback position is crucial to the success of any football team. The quarterback is responsible for leading the offense and making quick decisions. They must also be able to throw the ball accurately and make good decisions under pressure.

Duck Hodges is a talented quarterback who has shown the ability to succeed in the NFL. He is a hard worker and a good teammate. He is also a good leader and is able to motivate his teammates.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are a member of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Steelers are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls, the most by any AFC team.

Duck Hodges is a former American football quarterback who played for the Steelers from 2019 to 2020. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and made his NFL debut that season, starting six games after Ben Roethlisberger was injured. Hodges finished the 2019 season with 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Hodges was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2020, but he returned to the Steelers in 2022 and signed with their practice squad. He was released before the start of the regular season.

The Steelers have a long and storied history, and Duck Hodges is a part of that history. He may not have been a star player, but he was a valuable member of the team and helped the Steelers win some important games.

The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are a member of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Browns were founded in 1946 and are one of the most storied teams in NFL history, having won eight league championships, including four AAFC championships.

Quarterback
Duck Hodges played quarterback for the Browns for two seasons, from 2020 to 2021. He served as the backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum.
Undrafted free agent
Hodges signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was one of several undrafted free agents to make the Browns' roster that season.
Practice squad
Hodges was a member of the Browns' practice squad in 2021. He was elevated to the active roster for one game that season.
Waived
Hodges was waived by the Browns in 2022. He was re-signed to the practice squad, but was released before the start of the regular season.

Hodges' time with the Browns was brief, but he was a valuable member of the team. He was a good teammate and was always willing to help out in any way he could.

Samford University is a private Christian university located in Homewood, Alabama. It was founded in 1841 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. Samford University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration.

Duck Hodges' alma mater
Duck Hodges played college football at Samford University. He was a four-year starter and set several school records, including most career passing yards and most career passing touchdowns. Hodges was also named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2018.
Hodges' success in the NFL
Hodges' success in the NFL is due in part to his time at Samford University. He was able to develop his skills and learn the game at a high level. Hodges also benefited from the support of his coaches and teammates at Samford.
Samford University's football program
Samford University's football program is a successful program at the FCS level. The Bulldogs have won three Southern Conference championships and have made several appearances in the FCS playoffs. Samford University's football program is known for producing NFL players, including Duck Hodges.
Hodges' legacy at Samford University
Duck Hodges is a successful quarterback and a proud alumnus of Samford University. He is a role model for current and future Samford University students. Hodges' success in the NFL is a testament to the quality of education and coaching at Samford University.

Samford University is a special place for Duck Hodges. It is where he developed as a player and a person. Hodges is grateful for his time at Samford University and is proud to be a Bulldog.

An undrafted free agent (UDFA) is a player who is not selected in the NFL draft but is signed by a team as a free agent after the draft. UDFAs typically have a lower chance of making an NFL roster than drafted players, but there are many examples of UDFAs who have gone on to have successful NFL careers.

Duck Hodges
Duck Hodges is a former NFL quarterback who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He went on to start six games for the Steelers in 2019 and helped lead the team to a playoff berth. Hodges' story is an example of how UDFAs can achieve success in the NFL.
Other successful UDFAs
There are many other examples of UDFAs who have gone on to have successful NFL careers. Some of these players include:
- Kurt Warner
- Antonio Brown
- James Harrison
- John Randle
Challenges faced by UDFAs
UDFAs face a number of challenges when trying to make an NFL roster. These challenges include:
- Not having the same level of draft capital as drafted players
- Having to compete with drafted players for roster spots
- Having to prove themselves to coaches and scouts
How UDFAs can succeed
Despite the challenges they face, UDFAs can succeed in the NFL by:
- Working hard and proving themselves to coaches and scouts
- Taking advantage of every opportunity they get
- Being patient and never giving up on their dream

Duck Hodges' story is an inspiration to all UDFAs. It shows that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. UDFAs may not have the same level of draft capital as drafted players, but they can still achieve success in the NFL.

A practice squad is a roster of players who are not on the active roster of an NFL team but are eligible to practice with the team and participate in team activities. Practice squad players can be called up to the active roster at any time, and they can also be released from the practice squad at any time.

Duck Hodges spent time on the practice squads of the Steelers and Browns during his NFL career. He was signed to the Steelers' practice squad in 2022 after being waived by the Browns. However, he was released before the start of the regular season.

Practice squads are an important part of the NFL. They allow teams to develop young players and provide depth at all positions. Practice squad players can also be used to fill in for injured players on the active roster.

Duck Hodges' time on the practice squad was a valuable experience for him. He was able to learn from veteran players and coaches, and he was able to improve his skills. Hodges' experience on the practice squad helped him to become a better quarterback, and it also helped him to earn a spot on the active roster.

The practice squad is an important part of the NFL, and it can be a valuable experience for players like Duck Hodges. Practice squads allow teams to develop young players and provide depth at all positions. They can also help players to improve their skills and earn a spot on the active roster.

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Duck Hodges, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

Question 1: What is Duck Hodges' NFL career highlight?

Answer: Hodges' NFL career highlight came in 2019 when he started six games for the Steelers after Ben Roethlisberger was injured. He finished the season with 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Question 2: What teams did Duck Hodges play for?

Answer: Hodges played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns during his NFL career.

Question 3: What is Duck Hodges' college football background?

Answer: Hodges played college football at Samford University. He was a four-year starter and set several school records, including most career passing yards and most career passing touchdowns. Hodges was also named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2018.

Question 4: How did Duck Hodges get into the NFL?

Answer: Hodges signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He made the team's roster and started six games in 2019. Hodges was traded to the Browns in 2020 and served as the backup quarterback for two seasons.

Question 5: What is Duck Hodges' current status?

Answer: Hodges is currently a free agent. He was waived by the Browns in 2022 and has not signed with a team since.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Duck Hodges. For more information, please visit his official website or follow him on social media.

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Duck Hodges' NFL career has been a journeyman's tale. He has played for multiple teams, started a handful of games, and spent time on the practice squad. But through it all, he has never given up on his dream of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Hodges' story is an inspiration to all those who have ever been told that they are not good enough. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. He is a role model for all those who dare to dream big.

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