2019 was a difficult 12 months for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They misplaced Ben Roethlisberger for the season in Week 2, and shortly after that, Mason Rudolph went out with a concussion. Nevertheless, that opened the door for Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Hodges solely appeared in eight video games, with six begins, however he rapidly turned a fan favourite. He nonetheless tremendously appreciates how supportive followers had been of him, too. That performed an enormous half in his favourite second on the sphere within the NFL.
“I’d say in all probability once we performed the Browns at residence…” Hodges mentioned Monday on radio station 93.7 The Fan. “Take touchdowns, take all that out of it. I believe there was a second within the fourth quarter when the stadium began chanting, ‘Duck.’ I’m like, that is fairly cool. That is like my Rudy second.”
Rudy is a film that was launched in 1993 and follows Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. He goals of taking part in soccer on the College of Notre Dame, and though there are numerous obstacles in his means, he finally reached that aim, getting cheered on by followers. There are a whole lot of parallels between that story and Hodges’ journey.
In a vacuum, Hodges’ time with the Steelers doesn’t look too unbelievable. He recorded 1,063 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. That doesn’t look like a lot to cheer for, however context issues.
Going into that season, Hodges wasn’t anticipated to swimsuit up. He was an undrafted rookie sitting on the Steelers’ observe squad. Nevertheless, he helped lead Pittsburgh to a win in his first profession begin. Then, after Rudolph returned and struggled, Hodges received the decision once more, serving to the Steelers win three video games in a row late within the season.
That sport in opposition to the Cleveland Browns got here in Week 13. The Steelers had misplaced their earlier matchup in opposition to the Browns just some weeks earlier, with that contest ending with Myles Garrett hitting Rudolph with a helmet. Subsequently, there was a whole lot of unhealthy blood between the 2 groups.
Hodges then put collectively arguably his finest sport of the season. He accomplished 14 of his 21 passes for 212 yards, one landing, and one interception. It wasn’t an immaculate efficiency, however it was sufficient for Pittsburgh to get the win.
Hodges adopted that up with one other win the next week, however his Rudy story ended shortly after. His play declined down the stretch, and he’d by no means play in a regular-season NFL sport once more. Whereas he may not have been a celebrity, he constructed up a whole lot of goodwill with the individuals of Pittsburgh. He’ll by no means make the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, however he’ll at all times have that second in opposition to the Browns.
