PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In the talk of finding a number two receiver, often lost is the potential of Calvin Austin capitalizing on that opportunity. Receivers coach Zack Azzanni said Austin is night-and-day from where he was last year.
Austin went from 17 catches and 180 yards his first playing year to 36 receptions for 548 yards and four TD in 2024.
“Just having that confidence that any time I step on a field, no one can guard me,” Austin said about his mindset. “Towards the end of the season, I really felt like that became my primary mission to show that when I step on the field in man coverage, I feel disrespected getting in man. I just have to show that.”
Confidence was a key word for the 26-year-old. The fourth-round pick from Memphis missed his entire first season due to a knee injury and has been catching up ever since. He said his confidence translates to his abilities, teammates, thoughts, work ethic, routes. Just an overall belief that he can make an impact now.
Being 5’9”, 162 pounds, Austin has always had to overcome something. He started as a walk-on at Memphis only to have back-to-back thousand-yard seasons to end his career. His last two combined--137 receptions, 2,202 yards, 19 touchdowns, plus a pair of punt return scores.
Austin admits it will be different to play his first professional career without George Pickens. He said he understands it’s a business, but part of that business is when you step on the field to is to think about the game and nothing else. He considers himself living out a dream. His focus is to be the best he can every day.
It’s a contract year for Austin, his rookie deal ends after this season. Whether it’s the Steelers or not, to continue that dream he needs to take advantage of that opportunity. He understands there is an urgency.
Even though quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t join the team until the final week of offseason work, Austin said they have plenty of time to get to know each other. And for Austin to earn the trust of the 41-year-old.
“I’m not really sure what to expect,” Austin said. “I just expect to go forward and be the best player I can be for the team.”