Steelers' Calvin Austin III Is Improving Thanks To Coaching From An Unexpected Source

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't necessarily draft Calvin Austin III as a punt returner, but his speed and agility have made the third-year receiver a natural fit. While he had some solid returns over the past two seasons, it felt like he was due to break a big one and return a kick or punt for a touchdown. He finally did during the Week 8 win over the New York Giants. 

Austin did feel due for a break. He has been close a few times this season, and even Head Coach Mike Tomlin commented that Austin was owed one. Then, the chance came with just under five minutes left in the third quarter. The response from his coaches and teammates was tremendous, as they all rushed him to celebrate. 

Recently, Austin joined teammate Christian Kuntz on his show, The Christian Kuntz Podcast, to discuss the season. Kuntz asked Austin about that punt return, and Austin shared that many people are surprised by how much goes into catching a punt. Austin said he continues to grow and credits Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith for continuing to motivate him. However, he added that he owes a debt of gratitude to an unexpected source, Cameron Johnston, the Steelers punter who was injured during the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons. 

"Cam, the punter who got hurt, gives me a whole report," said Austin. "A real report, too; it's detailed. First, I go talk to Cam; he gives me stuff at the beginning of the week, like the rundown of what the punter does, what type of guy he is. So I can know his tendencies and stuff like that. Then, Danny, he'll have the returns and blocks drawn up and will tell me some of the things he sees."

Austin said that as the return man, he is almost the quarterback of the unit. He uses the information Johnston and Smith give him to guide his decision-making. However, when he is in the backfield, sometimes he has to make changes based on what he sees. He added that he does pay attention to the punter during warmups, but it is easy to make big kicks when you don't have linebackers headed to smash into you. 

"Then on game day, I do watch him (opponent's punter) pregame," added Austin. "But I don't put too much emphasis on pregame because a lot of punters are booming it, but with our rush, it's different, they feel that pressure."

Kuntz agreed that Johnston is now a player-coach working with the special teams unit. He and Austin agreed that Johnston is a "h*ll of a coach," next level, and being able to pick his brain positively impacts the special teams unit. He studies the opponents and gives Austin detailed breakdowns. They include how they line up, what direction they tend to go, and how many steps they take. He can then coach Austin from a punter's perspective on making the most out of catching a punt. 

Steelers' Calvin Austin Is Putting In The Extra Work

Austin said he almost feels he has two jobs on the team: wide receiver and specialist. He said he is committed to spending time on both, so after practice ends every day, he heads over and catches punts with replacement punter Corliss Waitman. 

Kuntz said they have all been impressed by how much extra work Austin puts in. Austin said that he knows he's fast. He ran a 4.32 at the NFL Combine, but also knows he cannot rely on his speed alone. He can learn how the ball travels under different conditions by catching punts with Waitman.  

Waitman is left-footed, and Austin shared that being able to practice with him has been helpful. Most of the time, teams play against punters who kick with their right foot, but it does make a difference. He feels more prepared for potentially facing left-footed punters in the future.  

Are you surprised that Johnston is coaching Austin? Click to comment below. 

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