Stephen Hodge (American football)

Stephen Hodge (born July 17, 1987 in Tatum, Texas) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football as a strong safety at Texas Christian University (TCU).

College career
Hodge did not start for TCU until the middle of his junior season. He finished the season with a nation-leading eight sacks for defensive backs. During his senior season, he compiled 81 tackles, picking up first team all-MWC honors. He played in a 4-2-5 base defense.

Dallas Cowboys
Hodge was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (197th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2009. After starting the 2010 season on the PUP, he had another season-ending surgery. He was released with an injury settlement on November 11, 2010.

Personal
Hodge is a distant relative of Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith—Smith's sister is also the stepsister of Hodge's mother. His brother Anthony played at Baylor while David Overstreet, another family member, played at Oklahoma. Stephen Hodge reportedly was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication early Sunday, July 17, 2011 in Dallas along with Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Jerry Hughes and ex-TCU defensive tackle Cory Grant.