{{Short description|American football player (born 1999)}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Calvin Austin III | image = CalvinAustinIIIcamp.jpg | caption = Austin with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 | current_team = New York Giants | number =82 | position = Wide receiver, punt returner | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|3|24}} | birth_place = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 9 | weight_lb = 162 | high_school = Harding Academy (Memphis) | college = Memphis (2017–2021) | draftyear = 2022 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 138 | pastteams = * Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2022|2025}}) * New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2026}}–present) | status = Active | highlights = * 2× First-team All-AAC (2020, 2021) | statleague = NFL | statweek = | statseason = 2025 | statlabel1 = Receptions | statvalue1 = 84 | statlabel2 = Receiving yards | statvalue2 = 1,100 | statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns | statvalue3 = 8 | statlabel4 = Rushing yards | statvalue4 = 57 | statlabel5 = Return yards | statvalue5 = 639 | statlabel6 = Return touchdowns | statvalue6 = 1 }}
'''Calvin Austin III''' (born March 24, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers.
==Early life== Austin was born March 24, 1999, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Harding Academy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Cassie |date=November 23, 2020 |title=Calvin Austin III lives out childhood dream playing football for the Memphis Tigers |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2020/11/23/calvin-austin-iii-lives-out-childhood-dream-playing-football-memphis-tigers/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=ActionNews5.com}}</ref> His family consists of his father, Calvin Austin II, and mother, Mimi Austin, and his four sisters: Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose.
==College career== Austin redshirted his true freshman season at Memphis after joining the team as a walk-on.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giannotto |first=Mark |date=November 6, 2020 |title=Calvin Austin III might be Memphis football's next Anthony Miller |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/columnists/mark-giannotto/2020/11/06/calvin-austin-iii-memphis-tigers-football-anthony-miller-bears-ryan-silverfield-usf/6124735002/ |access-date=October 22, 2021 |website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sikkema |first=Trevor |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Memphis Tigers wide receiver Calvin Austin grinded from walk-on to first-team All-AAC at his hometown school |url=https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-memphis-tigers-wide-receiver-calvin-austin-grinded-from-walk-on-to-first-team-all-aac-2021 |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Focus}}</ref> During his redshirt sophomore season, he was awarded a scholarship and finished the year with 17 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Evan |date=August 19, 2020 |title=Memphis' Calvin Austin III embraces new number, higher expectations |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/08/19/memphis-football-calvin-austin-iii-embraces-new-number-higher-expectations/5589668002/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> As a redshirt junior, Austin caught 61 passes for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greer |first=Jarvis |date=July 23, 2021 |title=Another watch list for Tiger receiver Calvin Austin |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2021/07/23/another-watch-list-tiger-receiver-calvin-austin/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=ActionNews5.com}}</ref> He repeated as a first-team All-AAC selection after finishing his redshirt senior season with 74 receptions for 1149 yards and eight touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Evan |date=December 13, 2021 |title=Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III opts out of Hawaii Bowl to prepare for 2022 NFL Draft |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2021/12/13/memphis-football-calvin-austin-iii-opts-out-hawaii-bowl-nfl-draft/6503115001/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> After the conclusion of his college career, Austin was invited to play in the 2022 Senior Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Browns have shown interest in small but speedy Memphis wideout Calvin Austin III at the Senior Bowl |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2022/02/browns-have-shown-interest-in-small-but-speedy-memphis-wideout-calvin-austin-iii-at-the-senior-bowl.html |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=Cleveland.com}}</ref>
Austin also ran track at Memphis and was named a second-team All-American in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2019 |title=How Memphis Tigers wide receiver Calvin Austin juggles football, track and field |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2019/10/25/memphis-football-tigers-calvin-austin-mike-norvell-track-all-american/4049853002/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref>
==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 7 3/4 | weight = 170 | dash = 4.32 | ten split = 1.44 | twenty split = 2.49 | shuttle = 4.07 | cone drill = 6.65 | vertical = 39.0 | broad ft = 11 | broad in = 3 | bench = 11 | arm span = 30 | hand span = 9 1/4 | wingspan ft = 6 | wingspan in = 1 | wonderlic = | note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvin Austin III Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/calvin-austin-iii/32004155-5373-8004-5ff3-52f1c2b4fb0b |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvin Austin III, Memphis, WR, 2022 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1024164&DraftYear=2022 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref> }}
===Pittsburgh Steelers=== ====2022==== Austin was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round, 138th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=April 30, 2022 |title=Steelers select Calvin Austin III in the fourth round |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-select-calvin-austin-iii-in-the-fourth-round |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2022 due to a foot injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=September 1, 2022 |title=Roster moves continue for Steelers |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/roster-moves-continue-for-steelers-x7013 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> After Austin aggravated his injury, the Steelers let his return window pass and he was placed on season–ending injured reserve on October 26, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartman |first=Jeff |date=2022-10-27 |title=The Steelers decision to let Calvin Austin III go on season-ending IR was based on injury |url=https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2022/10/27/23425838/the-steelers-decision-to-let-calvin-austin-iii-go-on-season-ending-ir-was-based-on-injury-lisfranc |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Behind the Steel Curtain|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref>
====2023==== thumb|Austin during a practice in 2023 with the Steelers The Steelers promoted Austin to the 53-man roster for the 2023 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=August 30, 2023 |title=Steelers current 2023 roster |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-2023-53-man-roster |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> In week 3 of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders, Austin caught his first NFL touchdown on a 72-yard deep pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett in a 23–18 Steelers victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivers |first=Christina |last2=Kuzma |first2=Joe |date=2024-03-23 |title=Plays of the Year: Kenny Pickett connects with Calvin Austin for 72-yard equalizing touchdown |url=https://www.steelcityunderground.com/2024/03/23/plays-of-the-year-kenny-pickett-connects-with-calvin-austin-for-72-yard-equalizing-touchdown/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Steel City Underground}}</ref> In week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Austin scored his first rushing touchdown on a 7-yard run as the Steelers won 34–11.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-23 |title=Calvin Austin rushing TD gives Steelers 14–0 lead over Bengals |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/calvin-austin-rushing-td-gives-221219432.html |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> He finished his first full season with 17 receptions for 180 yards and one receiving touchdown to go with one rushing touchdown in 17 games and one start.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvin Austin 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AustCa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In his postseason debut, Austin scored a receiving touchdown in the 31–17 loss to the Bills in the Wild Card Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – January 15th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202401150buf.htm |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
====2024==== Austin, along with running back Cordarrelle Patterson, was named one of the team's kick returners ahead of the regular season.<ref name="l101">{{cite web | title=Calvin Austin III Returning Stats | publisher=FOX Sports | date=2024-11-07 | url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/calvin-austin-iii-player-stats?category=returning&seasonType=reg | access-date=2025-01-13}}</ref> On September 22, 2024, Austin recorded a career-high 95 receiving yards against the Los Angeles Chargers. During the game, Austin caught four passes in total, one being a 55-yard touchdown catch from Justin Fields in the fourth quarter.<ref name="v692">{{cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=2024-09-25 |title=Calvin Austin sees "no panic" in the Steelers' offense this year |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/calvin-austin-sees-no-panic-in-the-steelers-offense-this-year |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=NBC Sports}}</ref>
On October 28, 2024, Austin recorded his first career punt return touchdown, a 73-yard return, as well as his first career multi-touchdown game against the New York Giants, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401671685|title=Steelers 26–18 Giants (Oct 28, 2024) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Browns QB Jameis Winston, Falcons QB Kirk Cousins highlight Players of the Week|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2024-week-8-jameis-winston-kirk-cousins|author=Gordon, Grant|website=NFL.com|date=October 30, 2024}}</ref>
Austin finished the 2024 regular season with 36 catches on 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvin Austin III 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AustCa00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Austin and the Steelers achieved a second consecutive postseason berth with a record of 10–7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2024.htm |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> During the AFC Wild Card playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Austin caught one pass for 25 yards and returned one punt for 14 yards. The Steelers lost the game 28–14, ending their 2024 campaign.<ref name="m040">{{cite web | title=Steelers 14–28 Ravens (Jan 12, 2025) | website=StatMuse | date=2025-01-12 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/game/1-11-2025-pit-at-bal-18756 | access-date=2025-01-13}}</ref>
====2025==== Austin made his first appearance of the 2025 season catching four passes on six targets for 70 yards.<ref name="b280">{{cite web | title=Steelers 34-32 Jets (Sep 7, 2025) Box Score | website=ESPN | date=September 8, 2025 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772721 | access-date=September 8, 2025}}</ref> He scored a touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to give the Steelers a five-point lead over the New York Jets.<ref name="b280" /> The game ended in a narrow 34–32 Steelers victory. On January 4, 2026, Austin caught what would be the game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens securing the Steelers an AFC North Division title.<ref>{{cite web |title=Steelers 26-24 Ravens (Jan 4, 2026) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401772960/ravens-steelers |website=ESPN |access-date=5 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
===New York Giants=== On March 14, 2026, Austin signed with the New York Giants on a one-year, $4.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salomone |first1=Dan |title=Giants sign wide receiver Calvin Austin III |url=https://www.giants.com/news/calvin-austin-iii-contract-signed-free-agency-nfl-steelers |website=Giants.com |access-date=15 March 2026}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===NFL=== {| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Punt returns ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost |- ! 2022 !! PIT | colspan="19"| ''Did not play due to injury'' |- ! 2023 !! PIT | 17 || 1 || 17 || 180 || 10.6 || 72T || 1 || 11 || 57 || 5.2 || 12 || 1 || 29 || 249 || 8.6 || 34 || 0 || 2 || 0 |- ! 2024 !! PIT | 17 || 8 || 36 || 548 || 15.2 || 55T || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 28 || 289 || 10.3 || 73T || 1 || 1 || 1 |- ! 2025 !! PIT | 14 || 7 || 31 || 372 || 12.0 || 31 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 15 || 101 || 6.7 || 12 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AustCa00.htm Career]|| 48 || 16 || 84 || 1,100 || 13.1 || 72T || 8 || 11 || 57 || 5.2 || 12 || 1 || 72 || 639 || 8.9 || 73T || 1 || 3 || 1 |}
===College=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Season ! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="3"| Receiving ! colspan="3"| Rushing ! colspan="3"| Punt return |- ! Rec !! Yds !! TD !! Att || Yds || TD || Ret || Yds || TD |- ! 2017 !! Memphis | 0 || colspan="9"| {{abbr|DNP|Did not play}} |- ! 2018 !! Memphis | 4 || 2 || 24 || 0 || 1 || 83 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2019 !! Memphis | 9 || 17 || 315 || 3 || 4 || 3 || 1 || 4 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2020 !! Memphis | 11 || 63 || 1,053 || 11 || 2 || 14 || 0 || 20 || 188 || 1 |- ! 2021 !! Memphis | 12 || 74 || 1,149 || 8 || 1 || 69 || 1 || 5 || 135 || 1 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/calvin-austin-iii-1.html Career]!! 36 !! 156 !! 2,541 !! 22 || 8 || 169 || 3 || 29 || 323 || 2 |}
==Personal life== Austin is the son of Calvin and Mimi Austin. His father went to college at University of Memphis as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Calvin Austin III – My Journey {{!}} Behind the Stripes Memphis Athletics |url=https://behindthestripes.gotigersgo.com/calvin-austin-iii-football-my-journey/ |website=Behind The Stripes- University of Memphis Athletics |access-date=12 January 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{footballstats|espn=4243389|yahoo=34094|pfr=A/AustCa00}} * [https://www.giants.com/team/players-roster/calvin-austin-iii/ New York Giants bio] * [https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football/roster/calvin--austin-iii/9561 Memphis Tigers bio]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Austin, Calvin}} Category:American football wide receivers Category:Memphis Tigers football players Category:Players of American football from Memphis, Tennessee Category:Living people Category:Memphis Tigers men's track and field athletes Category:1999 births Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players Category:New York Giants players