The pressure to perform in Pittsburgh is never light. In a city built on grit and championships, expectations are sky-high — especially when the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a string of frustrating playoff exits. General Manager Omar Khan made it clear this offseason: good is no longer good enough.
That message was conveyed through the team’s aggressive approach, which brought in big names like Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and Darius Slay.
But while the spotlight shone bright on those major acquisitions, one man quietly kept grinding behind the scenes: wide receiver Calvin Austin III.
Coming into the season, Austin wasn’t the focal point of training camp conversations.
An abdominal injury sidelined him for most of the preseason, and many fans began to wonder whether he’d be ready to step into a meaningful role. With no clear-cut WR2 behind DK Metcalf, doubts started to creep in. Could the Steelers rely on a former fourth-round pick to help carry the offensive load?
Austin answered that question with authority in Week 1.
In the Steelers’ narrow 34-32 win over the New York Jets, Austin stepped up in a big way, recording four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t just the numbers — it was the timing, the poise, and the confidence that made his performance feel like a turning point.
Every route looked sharp, every catch purposeful. His touchdown grab in particular showcased the kind of explosiveness and field awareness that made the Steelers take a chance on him in 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can rely on Calvin Austin III to become a true WR2
Watching Austin find his rhythm was more than just a feel-good story — it was a sigh of relief for Steelers fans who have long yearned for a true complement to Metcalf on the outside. While the spotlight will often shine brightest on the big names, it’s the homegrown talent like Austin that truly rounds out a championship roster.
And he’s been earning it the hard way.
Since 2023, Austin has racked up 728 receiving yards and five touchdowns, a solid output for a young receiver still carving out his identity in a crowded offensive system. But Sunday’s performance felt different. It felt like a breakout — a statement that he’s ready to be more than just a role player.
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That’s the beauty of seeing a player rise through adversity. Austin could have let the injury set him back mentally and physically. He could have let the noise get to him. But instead, he stayed the course. He believed in the system, trusted his preparation, and now he’s seeing it pay off.
It’s still early in the season, but Austin’s Week 1 showing was a monumental leap. Not just for his stats or confidence — but for his standing in a locker room loaded with talent and ambition.
The NFL season is a marathon, but Calvin Austin III just sprinted out of the gate.
And if Week 1 is any indication, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.