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

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.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”