Calvin Austin III's Route Named NFL's Best of 2025 Season

Steelers WR's game-winning double move secures AFC North title

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III ran the NFL's best route in 2025, a game-winning double move that secured the Steelers' AFC North title in the final moments of a Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Austin's precise route running and ability to perform under pressure were key factors in the play's success.

Why it matters

This play cemented Austin's status as a rising star in the NFL and highlighted the Steelers' ability to win critical games against their division rival. The recognition of this route as the best of the 2025 season also underscores the importance of skilled route running in the modern passing game.

The details

With the game on the line, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers asked Austin which route he preferred to run. After encouragement from tight end Pat Freiermuth, Austin executed a perfect double move that caused Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to stumble, leaving Austin wide open for the game-winning touchdown. This moment was a highlight in a season marked by ups and downs for Austin, who had previously delivered key touchdown catches earlier in the campaign.

  • In the final moments of the Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
  • Earlier in the 2025 season, Austin scored game-winning touchdowns in Week 1 versus the New York Jets and in a significant road game against the New England Patriots

The players

Calvin Austin III

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who ran the NFL's best route of the 2025 season, a game-winning double move that secured the Steelers' AFC North title.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers who placed his trust in Austin during the decisive moment and praised the receiver's performance after the game-winning play.

Pat Freiermuth

The Steelers' tight end who encouraged Austin to "just go cook him" before the game-winning play.

Chidobe Awuzie

The Baltimore Ravens cornerback who was beaten by Austin's double move on the game-winning touchdown.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'What do you want Cal?' And somebody to my right, I don't know if it was [Mason] McCormick or Pat said, 'Just go cook him,' or something. So I said, 'Alright, Cal, run a hitch and go back there.' I just peeked back to the left and saw number three slip.”

— Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

“And, you know, that's a gimme touchdown. But I'm proud of Calvin. And the line really gave me a lot of time all day.”

— Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

“You never know when your moment is gonna be called. And, you know, we just attack practice each week, me and A [Rodgers] been working on that route, probably like three, four weeks. And you never know when it's gonna come into fruition. And it came into fruition at the biggest moment.”

— Calvin Austin III

What’s next

The success of this route cements its place not only in Steelers-Ravens rivalry history but also in broader NFL lore as the most effective pass route of the 2025 season.

The takeaway

Calvin Austin III's game-winning double move showcased his skill, preparation, and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NFL and highlighting the importance of precise route running in the modern passing game.