Steelers' Calvin Austin lll Reveals A Surprising Reaction To His Touchdown Against The Jets: 'My Antennas Went Up'

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive unit put on an absolute show in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns in his Steelers debut, while DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll played at an elite level as well. Rodgers looked very comfortable throughout the entire game despite struggles from the offensive line at times as the veteran quarterback appears to be the healthiest version of himself that we have seen in years.

Austin looked like a legit wide receiver two (WR2) throughout the entire game. The promising receiver was credited with 70 yards and a touchdown on four receptions, as Austin seems to be fully healthy following an injury-ridden offseason. The young receiver took a moment to break down his touchdown play after the game, as Austin explained in depth how the play developed and how he was able to get wide open.

"I'm not gonna lie, I was surprised," Austin stated. "That was the same play Ben [Skowronek] scored on. They saw the same motion, same look. And so then when I went in motion... and I see the cornerback flying down, my antennas went up."

Austin then continued to go more in depth about the play, as the young receiver knew he had an excellent chance at finding the end zone.

"I'm like, 'Oh, this finna be the hot corner,' 'cause in a lot of those rollouts, the corner isn't hit that many times. You may hit it a couple times a year," Austin explained.

Austin is currently in the final year of his rookie deal. The promising receiver will look to have a breakout year in 2025 as this season will be the most crucial year of his young career. The rising star should benefit from having Rodgers as his quarterback as well, as Rodgers is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback that could elevate Austin's game almost instantly.

Austin could find himself among the top second options in the league should he continue to perform at a high level. The rising star may benefit from playing behind Metcalf as well as the star receiver will draw a significant amount of attention from opposing defenses. Austin's Week 1 performance was an extremely promising sight to see, as the young receiver will look to carry Sunday's momentum into Week 2 against Seattle.

Steelers' Calvin Austin lll Could Be Pittsburgh's Answer All Along

Austin could very well have a breakout campaign in 2025. The former Memphis Tigers standout was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has struggled with injuries throughout training camp, but was able to play exceptionally well during last weekend's matchup. Austin may truly thrive catching passes from a quarterback of Rodgers' caliber and may emerge as a top second option in all of football.

The young receiver may benefit from playing behind Metcalf as well. Metcalf is an elite veteran that will serve as an excellent mentor for the promising receiver. Austin is expected to continue developing his connection with Rodgers as the season rolls on, but the talented receiver will have his next opportunity to shine this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Steelers' offense played lights out against the Jets in Week 1. Austin's performance could be a very exciting sign of what's to come in the future, as 2025 may finally be the year that the talented receiver puts the league on notice. The Steelers will face the Seahawks in the first home matchup of the year on Sunday where Austin and the rest of Pittsburgh's offense will look to continue playing at an elite level.