Julie Chen Moonves Admits She Misjudged Survivor Star Rick Devens

Rick Devens became a major talking point during Big Brother 28 after longtime host Julie Chen Moonves admitted that she had misjudged his gameplay. Initially, Julie questioned whether the former Survivor contestant understood the strategy required inside the Big Brother house. However, his competition victories, social connections, and ability to survive difficult situations gradually changed her opinion. By the season finale, Julie was openly supporting him. His journey from a criticized newcomer to a reality television champion made their unexpected change of heart one of the season’s memorable stories.

Quick Bio Table

Field	Details
Full Name	Patrick William Devens
Known As	Rick Devens
Profession	Reality TV personality, former news anchor
Date of Birth	April 5, 1984
Age	42 (as of November 2026)
Birthplace	Blacksburg, Virginia
Nationality	American
Education	Virginia Tech
Spouse	Becca Devens
Children	Two
Known For	Survivor and Big Brother
Major Achievement	Winner of Big Brother 28
Net Worth	No independently verified figure available

Who Is Rick Devens?

Rick Devens is an American reality television personality and former television news journalist. He first attracted widespread attention through CBS’s Survivor: Edge of Extinction in 2019, where his competitive personality and determination made him a memorable contestant.

He later returned to the franchise for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans before joining Big Brother 28 in 2026. His appearance on Big Brother introduced him to another reality television audience.

Although his early gameplay attracted criticism from Julie Chen Moonves, his ability to win competitions and build relationships helped him prove his value. His eventual Big Brother victory further established his place in reality television.

Early Life and Background

Rick Devens grew up in a military family and experienced life in several locations, including Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. His family’s frequent moves helped shape his early experiences.

He attended Virginia Tech, where he studied communication and developed an interest in television and storytelling. Although he initially considered acting, he eventually focused on communication and journalism. His university experience provided the foundation for his broadcasting career.

Career

Before becoming a reality television personality, Rick Devens built a career in broadcast journalism. While studying at Virginia Tech, he secured his first television position as a tape editor at WSLS in Roanoke, Virginia.

After graduating in 2006, he joined WGXA in Macon, Georgia. He worked in several positions, including commercial producer, promotions producer, sports anchor, reporter, and sports director. Eventually, he became a familiar face on WGXA Morning News.

His journalism background gave him experience communicating with different people and responding under pressure. Those skills later became useful in reality television.

In 2019, Devens joined Survivor: Edge of Extinction, the show’s 38th season. He quickly became one of the season’s recognizable contestants because of his determination and ability to recover from difficult situations. He ultimately finished fourth.

He returned to the franchise in 2026 for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, gaining another opportunity to compete against familiar reality television personalities.

Later that year, he entered Big Brother 28. His experience on two different reality competition shows made him an interesting addition to the cast. He eventually achieved something no previous Survivor contestant had accomplished: winning Big Brother.

On October 1, 2026, CBS officially crowned him the season’s champion. He defeated Taylor Brown with a 6–1 jury vote and received the $750,000 grand prize. He also won America’s Favorite Houseguest, earning another $50,000.

Rise to Public Recognition

Rick Devens initially became widely recognized through Survivor: Edge of Extinction. His journey included an unusual return to the game after being voted out, which helped make his season memorable.

His participation in Survivor 50 brought him back into the spotlight. However, his appearance on Big Brother 28 introduced a different challenge.

Unlike Survivor, Big Brother requires contestants to live together while managing alliances, competitions, nominations, and constant social interaction. Devens had to adjust his approach to a different format.

His eventual victory made him the first Survivor contestant to win Big Brother, giving his reality television career an important milestone.

Personal Life

Away from television, Rick Devens has a background in journalism and communications. He has also worked in higher education communications at Middle Georgia State University.

His professional experience demonstrates that his career extends beyond reality television. He has balanced broadcasting, communications work, and television appearances.

Although audiences know him for his energetic personality on competition shows, he generally keeps his private family life separate from his television career.

Marriage and Family

Rick Devens is married to Becca Devens. The couple met while he was working in Macon, Georgia, and later built their family together.

Publicly available biographical information confirms that they have two children. Devens has also spoken about his wife and children while discussing his experience on Big Brother 28.

His family became part of the emotional motivation behind his competition journey. During the finale, his opportunity to provide for his family was among the considerations surrounding his final decisions.

Major Life Events

Several important milestones have shaped Devens’ career:

• 2006: Graduated from Virginia Tech and began his professional career at WGXA.
• 2019: Competed on Survivor: Edge of Extinction and finished fourth.
• 2026: Returned for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.
• July 2026: Entered the Big Brother 28 house and attracted criticism from Julie Chen Moonves.
• September 2026: Reached the final three after winning important competitions.
• October 1, 2026: Won Big Brother 28 and America’s Favorite Houseguest. Anchor

Public Image and Legacy

Rick Devens has developed a reputation as a determined competitor who can recover from challenging situations. His Survivor appearances demonstrated his ability to remain relevant even when his position looked uncertain.

His Big Brother victory strengthened that reputation. Winning a different reality competition format showed that his experience could translate beyond the Survivor environment.

His story also became an example of how first impressions can change when contestants get more time to demonstrate their abilities. Julie Chen Moonves’ public change of opinion added another memorable element to his season.

Why People Search for Rick Devens

Interest in Rick Devens increased following his appearance on Big Brother 28. Viewers wanted to understand his Survivor background and why Julie Chen Moonves initially criticized his gameplay.

Her later admission that she had judged him unfairly created additional interest. His historic victory also encouraged audiences to learn more about his journalism career, family, previous reality television appearances, and future opportunities.

Privacy, Accuracy, and Public Information

Although Rick Devens has shared parts of his professional and family life publicly, not every personal detail is available. His confirmed television appearances, education, and professional background provide a reliable picture of his career.

There is no independently verified public figure establishing his net worth. His reality television prize winnings should not be confused with his overall wealth.

Conclusion

Rick Devens has experienced an impressive journey from television journalism to becoming a reality television champion. His appearances on Survivor introduced audiences to his competitive personality, while Big Brother 28 gave him an opportunity to make history. Julie Chen Moonves initially questioned his approach but eventually acknowledged her mistake. His victory demonstrated his ability to adapt, build relationships, and compete successfully in different reality television formats.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Devens

Who is Rick Devens?

Rick Devens is an American reality television personality and former news anchor. He is best known for competing on Survivor: Edge of Extinction, Survivor 50, and Big Brother 28. He made history by becoming the first former Survivor contestant to win Big Brother.

How old is Rick Devens?

Rick Devens was identified as 42 years old in CBS’s October 2026 announcement of his Big Brother victory. He has a professional background in journalism and communications before entering reality television.

What did Julie Chen Moonves say about Rick Devens?

Julie Chen Moonves initially criticized Devens for revealing information about an alliance and questioned his understanding of Big Brother. Later, she admitted that she had been unfairly judgmental and praised his ability to win competitions and connect with people.

Is Rick Devens married?

Yes, Rick Devens is married to Becca Devens. The couple met while he was working in Georgia and later married. They have built a family together while Devens continued developing his professional and television career.

How many children does Rick Devens have?

Rick Devens has two children with his wife, Becca. He has publicly acknowledged the importance of his family and their support throughout his reality television journey.

Did Rick Devens win Big Brother 28?

Yes. Rick Devens won Big Brother 28 on October 1, 2026, defeating Taylor Brown by a 6–1 jury vote. He received the $750,000 grand prize and also won America’s Favorite Houseguest, earning an additional $50,000.