Duck Hodges helps friends connect with Ella Langley.

Former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges has gained unexpected attention as his friends now hope he can play matchmaker for rising country star Ella Langley.

During a recent episode of the Game Runs Deep podcast, Hodges revealed that his friends are eager for him to introduce them to Langley, who has been a close friend of his wife, country music sensation Lainey Wilson, for several years. The connection between Hodges and Wilson has led his friends to believe they might have a shot at meeting the talented newcomer.

Friends Seek an Introduction

Hodges shared, “Some of my friends, they’ll get with me, and they’ll be like, ‘Dude, set me up with Ella.’” He admitted feeling guilty about the expectations he’s generated, joking that he gave his friends “false hope” regarding an introduction. The camaraderie between the NFL star and country artists is not surprising; Hodges and Wilson enjoyed a four-year relationship before marrying in May 2026, a connection that has evidently inspired his friends.

With Hodges’ relationship serving as a beacon of hope, they envision a similar fate could await them with Langley. However, Hodges noted that he has not made any promises, given Langley’s rising fame and the challenges of navigating the dating scene in the spotlight. Her personal life has intrigued fans, especially in light of rumors connecting her to fellow musician Tucker Wetmore. Langley’s fanbase, affectionately dubbed the “Ella Fellas,” demonstrates her growing popularity in the country music landscape.

Love as Inspiration

Despite the matchmaking pressure, Hodges has certainly been a source of inspiration for Wilson’s songwriting. She has spoken candidly about how their romance has influenced her music, transforming her approach to writing love songs. Prior to their romance, such themes were not central to her work, but now they resonate strongly with her, as reflected in her favorites.

Hodges maintains that he doesn’t consciously inspire Wilson; rather, it’s the organic nature of their love that fuels her creativity. “I’m not trying to inspire her. She just gets inspired,” he remarked, encapsulating the couple’s dynamic.

While Hodges might not have success in matchmaking just yet, he continues to inspire the love songs that resonate with fans, proving that sometimes relationships yield unexpected rewards.