Calvin Austin III Bio
Calvin Austin III, born March 24, 1999, 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 before being selected by Pittsburgh in the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 173 pounds, Austin has built his reputation on speed, quickness, and reliable hands.
Despite his smaller frame, Austin has carved out a role in the Steelers’ offense and special teams units since arriving in the league. He has developed into a playmaker on jet sweeps, underneath routes, and punt returns, becoming a versatile contributor for one of the NFL’s most historic franchises.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Austin III was born on March 24, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in the same city that would later become the site of his college football success. He attended Harding Academy, a private school in Memphis, where he first showcased his athletic talents in both football and track and field. His upbringing in a sports-oriented household helped shape his competitive drive and work ethic.
Austin is the son of Calvin Austin II and Mimi Austin. His father, Calvin Austin II, attended the University of Memphis, establishing an early family connection to the school where his son would eventually star. Calvin III grew up alongside four sisters named Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose, in a close-knit family that supported his athletic ambitions from a young age.
Path to American Football
Austin’s journey to professional football began at Harding Academy in Memphis, where his speed and playmaking ability made him a standout on the high school gridiron. His performance earned him a walk-on opportunity with the Memphis Tigers, where he initially joined the program without an athletic scholarship. The decision to attend Memphis allowed him to develop close to home while honoring his father’s collegiate ties to the university.
After redshirting his true freshman season, Austin earned a scholarship during his redshirt sophomore year and steadily climbed the depth chart. His combination of acceleration, route-running precision, and reliability as a pass catcher helped him transition from a developmental prospect into one of the most productive receivers in the American Athletic Conference. By the end of his college career, he had firmly established himself as an NFL Draft prospect.
Calvin Austin III Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Calvin Austin III played his college football for the Memphis Tigers from 2017 through 2021, beginning as a walk-on and finishing as one of the most decorated receivers in program history. After redshirting his first year, he earned a scholarship during his redshirt sophomore season and recorded 17 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns, signaling his emergence as a reliable target.
As a redshirt junior, Austin delivered a breakout campaign with 61 catches for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. He repeated as a first-team All-AAC selection in his redshirt senior season, finishing with 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition to his football achievements, Austin competed in track at Memphis and was named a second-team All-American in 2019. His strong senior campaign led to an invitation to the 2022 Senior Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Calvin Austin III was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round, 138th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short by a foot injury that landed him on injured reserve before the season opener, and the Steelers later placed him on season-ending injured reserve in October 2022 after he aggravated the injury. He did not appear in a regular-season game during his first year.
Austin made his NFL impact during the 2023 season after being promoted to the Steelers’ 53-man roster. In Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he caught his first NFL touchdown on a 72-yard deep pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett, helping Pittsburgh to a 23–18 victory. He added his first rushing touchdown in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals on a 7-yard run in a 34–11 win. Austin finished his first full season with 17 receptions for 180 yards, one receiving touchdown, and one rushing touchdown across 17 games with one start. In the postseason, he scored a receiving touchdown in the Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
The 2024 season marked a significant step forward for Calvin Austin III within the Steelers’ offense and special teams units. He was named one of the team’s kick returners alongside Cordarrelle Patterson before the regular season began. On September 22, 2024, Austin posted a career-high 95 receiving yards against the Los Angeles Chargers, capped by a 55-yard touchdown catch from Justin Fields in the fourth quarter.
On October 28, 2024, Austin recorded his first career punt return touchdown, a 73-yard return, and his first multi-touchdown game against the New York Giants, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the 2024 regular season with 36 catches on 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns. The Steelers reached the postseason for a second consecutive year with a 10–7 record. During the AFC Wild Card matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Austin caught one pass for 25 yards and returned one punt for 14 yards in a 28–14 loss.
Austin opened the 2025 season by catching four passes on six targets for 70 yards in his first appearance. He scored a touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets, helping the Steelers secure a 34–32 victory. He continues to serve as a key contributor in Pittsburgh’s passing game and punt return unit.
Driving Style and Strengths
Calvin Austin III is known for his elite speed, quick first step, and ability to create separation against larger cornerbacks. He excels on jet sweeps, shallow crossers, and vertical routes where his acceleration becomes a major weapon. His punt return instincts and field vision have also made him a dangerous special teams weapon for the Steelers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Calvin Austin III’s most memorable career moments are his first NFL touchdown against the Raiders, his first career punt return touchdown against the Giants, and his game-winning touchdown connection with Aaron Rodgers against the Jets. His back-to-back AFC North playoff appearances with Pittsburgh mark him as a rising contributor for a perennial contender.
Calvin Austin III Career Wins
Throughout his career, Calvin Austin III has produced standout individual performances and contributed to multiple Pittsburgh Steelers victories. His biggest individual milestones include his first NFL receiving touchdown, his first rushing touchdown, and his first punt return touchdown. He has also helped the Steelers reach the postseason in consecutive seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers Highlights
Austin’s most notable Steelers moments include his 72-yard touchdown catch from Kenny Pickett against the Raiders in 2023, his 95-yard receiving performance against the Chargers in 2024, and his 73-yard punt return touchdown against the Giants. He has appeared in two playoff games for Pittsburgh and scored a receiving touchdown in his postseason debut.
Other Wins & Perfromances
Before turning professional, Austin earned first-team All-AAC honors in 2020 and 2021 and was named a second-team All-American in track in 2019. He also participated in the 2022 Senior Bowl, one of the premier pre-draft showcases in college football.
Calvin Austin III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Calvin Austin III comes from a supportive family rooted in Memphis, Tennessee. His father, Calvin Austin II, attended the University of Memphis, creating a meaningful family connection to the school where Calvin III eventually starred as a wide receiver and returner.
Personal Life
Austin is the son of Calvin Austin II and Mimi Austin, and he grew up with four sisters named Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose. His family has remained a central part of his life as he has pursued his professional football career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represents another opportunity for Calvin Austin III to expand his role within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense and special teams. He opened the year by catching four passes on six targets for 70 yards and scoring an 18-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets in a 34–32 victory. The early-season performance reinforced his value as a reliable downfield target.
Austin’s continued development as a punt returner adds another dimension to his game, following his 73-yard return touchdown in 2024. With Pittsburgh competing once again in a competitive AFC North division, his ability to produce explosive plays on offense and special teams remains a key storyline for the franchise. His partnership with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers offers new possibilities for big-play connections throughout the season.