Logo

Calvin Austin III Shares Touching Story of His Father Raising Three Kids Alone After Family Hardship

Five Fast Facts: Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh, PA – September 25, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Calvin Austin III has revealed a deeply personal story about the struggles and sacrifices that shaped his path to the NFL.

Austin grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, in a household where hardship hit hard. His father, Calvin Austin II, shouldered the responsibility of raising three children on his own after a family setback left him without his wife by his side.

“My father carried the weight of both parents. He was strict when he needed to be, but he also gave us the love and warmth that held our family together. I owe everything to him,”

Austin shared.

The wideout recalled that years later, when he had already made his mark as an NFL player, his mother returned. In a gesture of forgiveness, his father welcomed her back into the family so they could move forward together. For Austin, that moment represented not just healing, but the strength of the values he carries onto the field every Sunday.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Austin overcame early setbacks, including a foot injury that cost him his rookie season. By 2024, he emerged as one of the Steelers’ most explosive playmakers, combining blazing 4.32 speed with a knack for big plays both as a receiver and punt returner.

Through 37 career games, he has totaled 61 receptions for 854 yards and nine touchdowns, along with one rushing score. He has also delivered as a return man, producing 538 punt return yards and one memorable touchdown.

The 2025 season has already highlighted his growth. After Pittsburgh traded George Pickens to Dallas and signed DK Metcalf, Austin stepped firmly into the WR2 role. In the first three weeks, he recorded eight catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 17-yard score against the Patriots.

For Steelers fans, Austin’s story adds another layer to his rise. His speed and playmaking light up the field, but it is his father’s sacrifice and forgiveness that fuel his resilience. Every catch, every return, is more than just football—it is a testament to the values he learned at home.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.