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Steelers’ Round 4 Pick Wins Spot on Initial Depth Chart Without Playing a Snap

Five Fast Facts: Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh, PA — Sometimes the loudest victories are earned in silence. Calvin Austin III, drafted in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, spent almost the entire training camp on the sidelines and never stepped onto the field during preseason. And yet, as the dust settled, Austin emerged as one of the biggest winners of summer — securing his place in the Steelers’ initial depth chart without playing a single snap.

For weeks, questions circled: Where was Calvin Austin? Why wasn’t he out there in drills, why didn’t he suit up for even one preseason game? The answers were simple but telling. The Steelers held him back — a cautious approach to preserve his health, protect his speed, and keep him fresh for when it matters most.

Instead of risking further setbacks, the coaching staff chose trust. And that trust says more than any August highlight ever could: Pittsburgh already views Austin as a key piece of the offense.

Austin, 25, is a homegrown talent — drafted and developed solely by Pittsburgh. Known for his blazing 4.32 speed, the Memphis product entered the league as a deep threat and return specialist. His rookie year vanished with a foot injury, but flashes in 2023 — including a 72-yard touchdown bomb against the Raiders — reminded everyone of the game-breaking ability he brings.

Though small at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds, Austin’s speed stretches defenses in ways the Steelers desperately need. With the team thin at receiver behind George Pickens, his role has become essential — absence or not.

“I know people saw me missing in camp and not playing in preseason. But in Pittsburgh, it’s not about August — it’s about Sundays in the fall. The Steelers are built on toughness and trust, and when it’s time, I’ll fight for every snap in black and gold.” — Calvin Austin III

In a city that values grit over glamour, Calvin Austin III didn’t need the spotlight of preseason to prove himself. His absence became proof of his importance. And now, with the season approaching, he enters as a reminder of what the Steelers stand for: trust, toughness, and being ready when the real fight begins.

Without playing a snap, Calvin Austin III has already won.

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute 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 its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —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 Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean 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. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught 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.”