Calvin Austin III Bio
Calvin Austin III is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers, where he distinguished himself with impressive performances that led to his selection in the NFL Draft. Born on March 24, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee, Austin has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive landscape of professional football.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Austin III grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Harding Academy. He was born into a supportive family, with his father, Calvin Austin II, and mother, Mimi Austin, alongside his four sisters: Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose. His early exposure to sports and a nurturing environment helped shape his passion for football. Austin’s athletic journey began at a young age, and he demonstrated talent and determination throughout his formative years, which laid the groundwork for his future in football.
Path to American Football
Austin’s football career took off during his time at Harding Academy, where he showcased his skills as a wide receiver. After high school, he joined the University of Memphis football team as a walk-on, redshirting his true freshman season. His hard work paid off during his redshirt sophomore year when he earned a scholarship. He finished that season with 17 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Austin’s performance continued to improve; in his redshirt junior year, he caught 61 passes for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. He repeated this achievement in his redshirt senior season, finishing with 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a standout player.
Calvin Austin III Career
Early Career (2022)
Calvin Austin III was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, being the 138th overall pick. His rookie season began with challenges, as he was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury shortly after the start of the season. Unfortunately, he was unable to return that year, which limited his opportunities to showcase his talents on the field.
Breakthrough (2023)
Austin’s breakthrough came in the 2023 season when he was promoted to the Steelers’ 53-man roster. In Week 3, he caught his first NFL touchdown on a 72-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett during a victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. This moment marked a significant milestone in his career, as he began to establish himself as a reliable target for the Steelers. By the end of the season, Austin had recorded 17 receptions for 180 yards and one receiving touchdown, along with a rushing touchdown, demonstrating his versatility as a player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Austin’s signature moment came during the 2024 season when he recorded a career-high 95 receiving yards against the Los Angeles Chargers, including a 55-yard touchdown catch. He also achieved his first career punt return touchdown, a 73-yard return against the New York Giants, earning him the title of AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. His performance helped the Steelers secure a second consecutive postseason berth with a record of 10–7.
Calvin Austin III Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Calvin Austin III has received recognition for his outstanding performances, particularly during his college years, where he was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference twice.
Calvin Austin III Awards Won
While Calvin Austin III has not yet won any major awards in the NFL, his achievements in college football, including multiple All-Conference selections, highlight his potential for future accolades as he continues his professional career.
Calvin Austin III Family
Calvin Austin III is the son of Calvin Austin II and Mimi Austin. His family has been supportive of his athletic endeavors, contributing to his development as a player and individual.
Personal Life
Austin maintains a relatively private personal life. He has not publicly disclosed details about his relationships or marital status, focusing primarily on his football career and development as a professional athlete.
