Calvin Austin III Bio
Calvin Austin III is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Austin established himself as a dynamic playmaker during his college career at the University of Memphis before being selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, agility, and reliability as a return specialist, Austin has emerged as a valuable asset in Pittsburgh’s offensive and special teams units.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Austin III was born on March 24, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in the city alongside his four sisters: Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose. His father, Calvin Austin II, also attended the University of Memphis. Austin attended Harding Academy in Memphis, where he developed his skills as a multi-sport athlete, laying the foundation for his future football career.
During his high school years, Austin distinguished himself as a talented receiver and returner. His exceptional speed and playmaking ability caught the attention of college programs across the country. After high school, he chose to continue his athletic and academic journey at the University of Memphis, staying close to home while pursuing his dreams of professional football.
Path to Professional Football
Austin joined the Memphis Tigers football program as a walk-on athlete in 2017. He redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adjust to the collegiate level and develop his skills. During his redshirt sophomore season, his hard work paid off when he was awarded a scholarship. That year, he finished with 17 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a reliable target in the passing game.
His breakout campaign came during his redshirt junior season, when Austin emerged as one of the top receivers in the American Athletic Conference. He caught 61 passes for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. He continued his dominant play in his redshirt senior season, recording 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns. This performance earned him another first-team All-AAC selection, solidifying his status as one of Memphis’s all-time great receivers.
Beyond football, Austin also competed in track and field at Memphis. His speed on the track translated to the football field, and in 2019, he earned second-team All-American honors in track and field. His exceptional athleticism and versatility made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. Following his college career, Austin was invited to play in the 2022 Senior Bowl, where he further showcased his abilities against top collegiate talent.
Calvin Austin III Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2022–Present)
Austin was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round, 138th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short due to injury. He was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2022, after suffering a foot injury during training camp. After aggravating the injury during his recovery, the Steelers allowed his return window to pass, and he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on October 26, 2022. Despite the setback, the team remained committed to his development.
The Steelers promoted Austin to their 53-man roster for the 2023 season, giving him his first full opportunity to contribute at the NFL level. In Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Austin caught his first NFL touchdown on a 72-yard deep pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett, helping the Steelers secure a 23–18 victory. In Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he scored his first rushing touchdown on a 7-yard run. Austin finished his first full professional season with 17 receptions for 180 yards and one receiving touchdown, along with one rushing touchdown, appearing in 17 games with one start. He also made his postseason debut, catching a receiving touchdown in the Steelers’ Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills.
2024 Season Breakthrough
Austin took a significant step forward during the 2024 season, emerging as a more consistent threat in Pittsburgh’s offense. On September 22, 2024, he recorded a career-high 95 receiving yards against the Los Angeles Chargers. During that game, he caught four passes including a 55-yard touchdown reception from Justin Fields in the fourth quarter, showcasing his big-play ability.
His most spectacular performance came on October 28, 2024, when he recorded his first career punt return touchdown, a 73-yard return, against the New York Giants. That game also marked his first career multi-touchdown performance, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Austin finished the 2024 regular season with 36 receptions on 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns. The Steelers finished 10–7, earning a second consecutive playoff berth. In the AFC Wild Card playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Austin caught one pass for 25 yards and returned one punt for 14 yards, but the Steelers fell 28–14, ending their postseason run.
2025 Season Performance
Austin opened the 2025 season as a key contributor in Pittsburgh’s offense. In his first appearance of the season, he caught four passes on six targets for 70 yards and scored an 18-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, helping the Steelers secure a narrow 34–32 victory over the New York Jets. As the season progressed, Austin continued to build chemistry with his quarterbacks while maintaining his role as the team’s primary punt returner. His versatility as both a receiver and return specialist provided the Steelers with valuable flexibility in their offensive and special teams schemes.
Driving Style and Strengths
Austin is known for his exceptional speed, quickness, and ability to create separation from defenders. His background in track and field translates to his football performance, giving him the ability to stretch the field and threaten defenses vertically. As a punt returner, he displays patience, vision, and explosive acceleration through holes. His small stature at 5-foot-9 makes him elusive in space, and he excels at making defenders miss in the open field. His work ethic and football intelligence have allowed him to develop into a reliable target despite his limited college production relative to future NFL success.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several signature moments define Austin’s young NFL career. His first NFL touchdown, a 72-yard reception against Las Vegas in 2023, announced his arrival as a professional. His 2024 campaign featured multiple highlights, including a 55-yard touchdown catch against the Chargers and his first career punt return touchdown against the Giants, which earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He capped the 2025 season with a game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, securing the Steelers an AFC North Division title.
Calvin Austin III Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Austin has established himself as a productive NFL receiver with impressive per-touchdown averages and consistent contributions on special teams.
NFL Career Highlights
Austin’s NFL career statistics as of 2025 include 84 receptions for 1,100 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He has also contributed 57 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on the ground. In the return game, he has accumulated 639 return yards with one return touchdown. His ability to contribute across multiple phases of the game makes him a unique weapon for Pittsburgh.
College Career Statistics
During his four seasons at Memphis, Austin developed from a redshirt freshman walk-on into a two-time first-team All-AAC selection. His most productive years came in 2020 and 2021, when he combined for 135 receptions, 2,202 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns. His career trajectory from college walk-on to NFL draft pick exemplifies his dedication and perseverance.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2022–2025) | 84 | 1,100 | 8 |
Calvin Austin III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Calvin Austin III comes from a supportive family with strong ties to Memphis. His father, Calvin Austin II, attended the University of Memphis, sharing his son’s alma mater connection. His mother, Mimi Austin, has been a constant presence throughout his football journey. Austin also has four sisters: Cami Bea, Claudia-Ruthie, Naomi Pearl, and Bella Rose. The family’s encouragement and support have played a significant role in his development as both an athlete and a person.
Personal Life
Austin continues to represent Memphis with pride, carrying the lessons and values instilled by his family throughout his professional career. He remains focused on his craft while maintaining close relationships with his parents and sisters. His journey from a walk-on at Memphis to an NFL contributor demonstrates his character, work ethic, and determination to succeed at the highest level of football.