Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III made an uncertain choice in the final moments of the Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, running what would become the top-ranked route of the 2025 NFL season. His double move late in the game helped secure the AFC North title for the Steelers by beating cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, a play recognized by NFL Network as the season’s best route.
Collaboration on the Game-Winning Play
Before the pivotal catch, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers asked Austin which route he preferred to run. Austin, known for being quiet, was unsure amidst the pressure, but tight end Pat Freiermuth encouraged him simply to beat the defender. Rodgers recalled,
“I said, ‘What do you want Cal?’ And somebody to my right, I don’t know if it was [Mason] McCormick or Pat said, ‘Just go cook him,’ or something. So I said, ‘Alright, Cal, run a hitch and go back there.’ I just peeked back to the left and saw number three slip.”
Rodgers also praised Austin and the offensive line after the play:
“And, you know, that’s a gimme touchdown. But I’m proud of Calvin. And the line really gave me a lot of time all day.”
Austin’s Skill and Persistence Pay Off
Austin’s double move caused Awuzie to stumble, leaving the receiver wide open for the game-winning touchdown. This moment was a highlight in a season marked by ups and downs, including injuries and moments of inconsistency. Austin, however, repeatedly showed his ability to perform under pressure, delivering key touchdown catches earlier in the campaign.
He scored the game-winning touchdown in Week 1 versus the New York Jets and then again in a significant road game against the New England Patriots on a similar route along the left sideline. The confidence Rodgers placed in Austin during the season’s decisive moment was well deserved.
Austin Reflects on Preparation and Opportunity
Reflecting on the winning play, Austin said,
“You never know when your moment is gonna be called. And, you know, we just attack practice each week, me and A [Rodgers] been working on that route, probably like three, four weeks. And you never know when it’s gonna come into fruition. And it came into fruition at the biggest moment.”
Legacy of the Best Route in 2025
The success of this route cements its place not only in Steelers-Ravens rivalry history but also in broader NFL lore as the most effective pass route of the 2025 season. For Austin, the recognition is a testament to dedication amid uncertainty and the impact a precise route running can have at critical moments.
Steelers WR Calvin Austin III ran the Best Route of the 2025 NFL Season, per NFL #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/N5ni8DbfA8
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 20, 2026
