30 Facts About Calvin Austin III

Early Life and Family

Calvin Austin III's journey to the NFL began in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was born and raised. His family played a crucial role in his development as an athlete.

1. Calvin Austin III was born on March 24, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee.
2. He grew up in Memphis and attended Harding Academy, where he honed his athletic skills.
3. His father, Calvin Austin II, and mother, Mimi Austin, have been supportive throughout his career.
4. Calvin has four sisters: Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose.

High School Achievements

At Harding Academy, Calvin excelled in both football and track, setting the stage for his future success.

5. Calvin was a standout athlete in both football and track during high school.
6. He won multiple state championships in sprints and relays.
7. He was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) D2A All-State first team in 2016.

College Football Career

Calvin's college career at the University of Memphis was marked by hard work, perseverance, and impressive statistics.

8. He joined the Memphis football team as a walk-on and redshirted his true freshman season.
9. His dedication earned him a scholarship during his redshirt sophomore year.
10. In 2018, he played in 4 games, catching 2 passes for 24 yards and rushing for 83 yards with 1 touchdown.
11. In 2019, he appeared in 9 games, catching 17 passes for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns.
12. In 2020, he played in 11 games, catching 63 passes for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns.
13. In 2021, he played in 12 games, catching 74 passes for 1,149 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Awards and Honors

Calvin's performance on the field did not go unnoticed, earning him several accolades.

14. He was named First-Team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) in both 2020 and 2021.
15. He was also named Third-Team All-AAC (Returner) in 2021 by Phil Steele.
16. Calvin was recognized for his academic achievements by being named to the Tiger 3.0 Club in 2021, 2019, and 2017.

Track and Field Success

In addition to football, Calvin excelled in track and field, showcasing his speed and agility.

17. He was named a second-team All-American in the 4x100m relay in 2019 by the USTFCCCA.
18. He won multiple state championships in sprints and relays during high school.
19. In 2018, he received an honorable mention in the 4x400m relay by the USTFCCCA.

NFL Draft and Professional Career

Calvin's hard work paid off when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his journey in the NFL has had its challenges.

20. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
21. Calvin faced significant challenges due to injuries, being placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2022.
22. He was later moved to season-ending injured reserve on October 26, 2022, due to a foot injury.

2023 Season Comeback

Despite setbacks, Calvin made a strong comeback in the 2023 season, showcasing his talent on the field.

23. In the 2023 season, he caught his first NFL touchdown on a 72-yard deep pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett in a 23-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in week 3.
24. He scored his first rushing touchdown on a 7-yard run against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 16.
25. His 2023 season statistics include 17 games played, 17 receptions, 180 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 57 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 249 punt return yards, and 1 punt return touchdown.

Postseason and Future Prospects

Calvin's postseason debut and future prospects in the NFL look promising as he continues to develop as a player.

26. In his postseason debut, Calvin scored a receiving touchdown in the Steelers' 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round.
27. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 162 pounds, Calvin is one of the smaller but fastest receivers in the NFL.
28. Despite his professional success, he remains deeply connected to his hometown and university, representing the Tigers with pride.
29. Calvin is involved in various community activities, particularly in Memphis, using his platform to give back and inspire young athletes.
30. With his impressive performance in the 2023 season and continued recovery from injuries, Calvin's future prospects in the NFL look promising.

Calvin Austin III: A Rising Star

Calvin Austin III's journey from a walk-on at Memphis to a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers is nothing short of inspiring. His speed, agility, and dedication have made him a standout both in college and the NFL. Despite facing significant injuries, Austin's resilience and hard work have paid off, evident in his impressive 2023 season. With a strong support system, a deep connection to his hometown, and a relentless drive, Austin continues to make strides on and off the field. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of focusing on the little details. As he moves forward in his career, Calvin Austin III remains a player to watch, representing Memphis with pride and aiming to reach new heights in the NFL.