Hubbry Logo
Calvin PaceCalvin PaceMain
Open search
Calvin Pace
Community hub
Calvin Pace
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Calvin Pace
Calvin Pace
Calvin Pace
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Calvin Lamar Pace (born October 28, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round (18th overall) in the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Pace attended Lithia Springs High School in Lithia Springs, Georgia, from 1994 to 1998.

College career

[edit]

As a freshman in 1999, Pace played in seven games, and ranked 27th on the team in tackles. For the season he recorded four tackles, two for a loss, two sacks and one pass deflected.[1]

In 2000, Pace finished fifth on the team with 50 tackles (33 solo), including 12 tackles for a loss and nine sacks.[2]

In 2001, Pace finished sixth on the team recording 62 tackles (36 solo), including 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He recorded one pass deflected and 11 quarterback hurries.[3]

In 2002, Pace finished third on the team with 73 tackles (43 solo), including 22 tackles for a loss and eight sacks. He recorded six passes deflected and four quarterback hurries.[4]

While at Wake Forest, Pace was a two-time Second-team All-ACC selection and finished his college career with 189 tackles, 29 sacks, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 4 in
(1.93 m)		 269 lb
(122 kg)		 34 in
(0.86 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 4.80 s 1.74 s 2.86 s 33 in
(0.84 m)		 9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)
All values from NFL Combine.[5]

Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

Pace was selected by Arizona Cardinals in the first round (18th overall) in the 2003 NFL draft.[6] In 2003, as a rookie, he started all 16 games. He recorded a total of 32 tackles and one sack.

In 2004, he played in 14 games, recording 12 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

In 2005, Pace played in only five games with one start. His season was ended when he suffered a laceration of his arm during the Cardinals bye week. Before Pace was placed on injured reserve he recorded 11 tackles and one sack.

In 2006, Pace played in all 16 games, starting five of them. He recorded 29 tackles and one sack.

In 2007, Pace was switched to outside linebacker and started all 16 games. He led the team with 106 tackles. Pace also recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks and one fumble.

In his five seasons with the Cardinals, Pace played in 67 games with 38 starts recording 186 tackles, 14 sacks and 11 passes deflected. While with the Cardinals he also set career highs in tackles, sacks, interceptions, passes deflected and fumble recoveries in 2007 with 106 tackles, 6.5 sacks, six passes deflected, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception.

New York Jets

[edit]
Pace at the Jets 2009 training camp.

2008

[edit]

On March 3, 2008, Pace and the New York Jets came to terms on a six-year, $42 million deal that includes $22 million in guaranteed money.[7] He had turned down a previous offer with the Miami Dolphins prior to signing with the Jets. In his first year in New York, Pace compiled 80 tackles (including 63 solo) and 7 quarterback sacks.

2009

[edit]
Pace wearing the Jets' alternate jersey during the 2009 season.

Pace was suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season by the NFL after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. In the 12 games he played, Pace recorded 55 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. The Jets finished 9-7 and made it to the AFC Championship Game before losing to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, falling one game short of the Super bowl.

2010

[edit]

In August 2010, Pace injured his foot during the preseason. After missing the first four games, Pace started the remainder of the season recording 51 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble helping the Jets finish 11-5 and advance to the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive year before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers by the final score of 24–19.

2011

[edit]

In 2011, Pace played all 16 games with 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

2012

[edit]

In 2012, Pace played all 16 games with 35 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

2013

[edit]

Pace was released from the Jets on February 19, 2013.[8] He was re-signed by the team on April 16 to a one-year contract.[9] During the 2013 season, Pace played all 16 games with 37 tackles, 10 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.

2014

[edit]

The Jets re-signed Pace to a two-year, $5 million contract on March 16, 2014.[10]

On September 13, 2014, Pace was fined $16,537 for a roughing the passer penalty during Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders.

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2003 ARI 16 16 32 25 7 1.0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
2004 ARI 14 0 19 14 5 4.5 2 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 0
2005 ARI 5 1 12 8 4 1.0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
2006 ARI 16 5 31 27 4 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0
2007 ARI 16 16 99 80 19 6.5 11 1 14 0 14 6 1 2 4 0
2008 NYJ 16 16 80 62 18 7.0 11 0 0 0 0 3 5 4 50 1
2009 NYJ 12 12 55 45 10 8.0 13 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0
2010 NYJ 12 11 51 42 9 5.5 5 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 0
2011 NYJ 16 16 72 53 19 4.5 7 1 8 0 8 3 3 1 0 0
2012 NYJ 16 16 55 35 20 3.0 7 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0
2013 NYJ 16 16 53 37 16 10.0 10 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0
2014 NYJ 16 16 40 27 13 5.0 8 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
2015 NYJ 16 12 22 15 7 3.0 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0
Career 187 153 621 470 151 60.0 87 3 23 0 14 31 21 11 54 1

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2009 NYJ 3 3 13 11 2 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
2010 NYJ 3 1 10 10 0 3.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Career 6 4 23 21 2 3.0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Measurables

[edit]
  • 4.65 40-yard dash
  • 31 inch vertical
  • 19 bench reps
  • 4.62 short shuttle
  • 9-foot-7 broad jump

[11]

Personal life

[edit]

Pace resides in Atlanta, Georgia.[12]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Calvin Pace

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Calvin Pace (born October 28, 1980) is an American former professional football player who played as a and outside linebacker in the () for 13 seasons, amassing 60.0 career sacks and earning recognition as a key pass rusher during his tenure with the and . Pace attended , where he was a four-year letterwinner from 1999 to 2002, earning first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors and consensus first-team All-American status as a senior in 2002 after recording 8.0 sacks. Selected by the Cardinals in the first round (18th overall) of the , he began his professional career in , where he played from 2003 to 2007 and notched 7.5 sacks in his first four seasons despite missing time due to injuries. In 2008, Pace signed with the as a , becoming a of their defense for eight seasons and leading the team in sacks once, in 2009. Over his Jets tenure, he accumulated 46.0 sacks; career totals include 464 solo tackles, 21 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions, contributing to three playoff appearances and earning praise for his athleticism at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds. He retired after the 2015 season, and in 2015, Pace was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame for his collegiate achievements.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Calvin Pace was born on October 28, 1980, in , . He spent the first three years of his life in the urban setting of before his family relocated to the area in Georgia when his father took a position as a . Pace grew up in the suburban community of , providing a contrast to his brief early exposure to city life in the Midwest. His parents played key roles in shaping his interests; while his father preferred and , his mother sparked Pace's passion for football by introducing him to the sport through watching a -Notre Dame game on television when he was nine years old. This family encouragement, combined with participation in local youth sports programs, laid the foundation for his athletic development before transitioning to organized high school athletics in Georgia.

High school career

Calvin Pace attended Lithia Springs High School in , following his family's relocation from , . There, he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete, participating in football, , and while excelling particularly in football. After a significant growth spurt from 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 1 inch before the end of 8th grade, Pace initially played before switching to linebacker. As a , he recorded a notable 97-yard return. During his junior and senior years, Pace demonstrated strong defensive prowess, consistently recording tackles for loss and sacks that underscored his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and established him as a promising pass-rushing talent. His performances helped solidify his reputation as a standout prospect in Georgia . Pace committed to .

College career

Calvin Pace enrolled at in 1999, where he joined the Demon Deacons football team as a and went on to play in all four seasons from 1999 to 2002. As a in 1999, Pace had a limited role, appearing in seven games while adjusting to the demands of . His year in 2000 marked an increase in playing time, with participation in 11 games as he began to earn more snaps on the defensive line. Pace experienced a breakout during his junior season in 2001, solidifying his presence on the team, followed by a senior year in 2002 where he assumed a leadership role among his teammates. Throughout his tenure, Pace transitioned from a rotational player to a prominent starter, adapting effectively to the complexities of college defensive schemes and becoming a mainstay on Wake Forest's defensive front. Coming from Lithia Springs High School in Georgia, where he excelled as a three-sport with a strong passion for football, Pace's recruitment led him to commit to Wake Forest to pursue his NFL aspirations.

College achievements and statistics

During his four seasons at Wake Forest from 1999 to 2002, Calvin Pace established himself as a dominant pass rusher, accumulating 189 total tackles, 29 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. These figures underscored his progression from a limited-role to a of the Demon Deacons' defense, culminating in record-setting performances as a senior. Pace's impact was particularly evident in his senior year of 2002, when he led the team with eight sacks and 21 tackles for loss while recording 72 total tackles (43 solo) over 11 games. His efforts helped anchor a Wake Forest defense that allowed just 25.2 points and 390.2 total yards per game, contributing to the team's first bowl appearance in six years. For his standout season, Pace earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors and was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). In addition to his 2002 accolades, Pace was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2001, when he again led the team with 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss alongside 62 total tackles. His career sack total ranked second in program history at the time, and his 54 tackles for loss set a Wake Forest record that highlighted his disruptive presence on the line.
YearGames PlayedTotal TacklesSacksTackles for LossForced Fumbles
1999742.02.01
200011509.011.01
2001116210.020.02
200211728.021.01
Career4018929.054.05

Professional career

Arizona Cardinals (2003–2007)

Calvin Pace was selected by the in the first round, 18th overall, of the as a , following a standout college career at Wake Forest that boosted his draft stock. He signed a five-year rookie contract worth $8 million on July 28, 2003, which included a of approximately $3 million. In his rookie season of 2003, Pace quickly adapted to the , starting all 16 games and recording 32 combined tackles (25 solo) along with 1.0 sack and one fumble recovery. His performance demonstrated early promise as a pass rusher, though the Cardinals finished with a 4-12 record, limiting team-wide defensive impact. The following year, in 2004, Pace transitioned to a rotational role with zero starts across 14 games, but he excelled in pass-rushing opportunities, notching 4.5 sacks—his highest total to that point—alongside 19 tackles and two forced fumbles. Pace's 2005 season was derailed by a severe injury sustained off the field, limiting him to just five games with one start, 12 tackles, and 1.0 sack before being placed on injured reserve. The , a lacerated from an at home, sidelined him for the remainder of the year and highlighted challenges in his early development under the Cardinals' defensive scheme. Returning in 2006, Pace was moved full-time to outside linebacker prior to the season, a positional shift that better suited his athleticism and allowed him to play off the . He appeared in all 16 games with five starts, tallying 31 tackles, 1.0 sack, and two forced fumbles, contributing to a more versatile defensive role as the team improved to a 5-11 record. By , Pace had solidified his status as a full-time starter at outside linebacker, playing all 16 games and delivering a breakout performance with 99 combined tackles (80 solo)—a career high—6.5 sacks, one , one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. This season marked his most productive with the Cardinals, showcasing enhanced coverage skills and pass-rush effectiveness in the new position, though the team ended 7-9 and missed the . Overall, Pace's tenure in represented a period of adaptation and growth, evolving from a raw prospect into a multifaceted linebacker despite injury setbacks and scheme adjustments.

New York Jets (2008–2015)

Calvin Pace signed with the as a on March 3, 2008, agreeing to a six-year, $42 million contract that included $22 million in guaranteed money. In his debut season, Pace made an immediate impact as a starting outside linebacker, recording 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and a fumble return touchdown across 16 games, contributing to a Jets defense that ranked among the league's top units in sacks. Pace's tenure peaked during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, when the Jets advanced deep into the playoffs under head coach . Despite a four-game suspension at the start of 2009 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, Pace returned to notch 8 sacks in 12 regular-season games, helping the Jets secure an title and victories over the and before falling to the in the . In 2010, despite missing four games due to a broken foot sustained in the preseason, Pace recorded 5.5 sacks in 12 games with 11 starts, anchoring the during the Jets' run to the —defeating the and before a loss to the in the . Pace experienced a career resurgence in 2013, tying his personal best with 10 sacks while starting all 16 games and adding 4 forced fumbles, solidifying his role as a reliable on a rebuilding Jets roster. Released by the Jets in 2013 to clear space, he re-signed with the team on a one-year deal in April, then secured a two-year, $5 million extension in March 2014 that carried through 2015. As a veteran presence in his later years, Pace provided leadership to younger defenders, mentoring the linebacker group amid roster turnover and emphasizing discipline on the defensive line. In his final 2015 season, Pace appeared in 16 games with 12 starts and a reduced snap count, registering 3 sacks before retiring at age 35 following the campaign. Over eight seasons with the Jets, he amassed 46 sacks—ranking eighth in franchise history—and 428 combined tackles.

Career statistics and measurables

Regular season statistics

Calvin Pace played in 187 regular season games over 13 seasons from 2003 to 2015, accumulating 621 combined tackles, 60 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. His defensive contributions were primarily as a linebacker, with 157 games started, 470 solo tackles, 151 assisted tackles, and 32 passes defended. The following table summarizes Pace's regular season statistics by year, highlighting key defensive metrics such as games played (G), games started (GS), combined tackles (Comb), solo tackles (Solo), assisted tackles (Ast), sacks (Sk), interceptions (Int), forced fumbles (FF), fumble recoveries (FR), and passes defended (PD).
SeasonTeamGGSCombSoloAstSkIntFFFRPD
2003ARI1616322571.00010
ARI140191454.50205
2005ARI5112841.00010
ARI165312741.00201
2007ARI16169980196.51126
2008NYJ16168062187.00543
2009NYJ12125545108.00301
2010NYJ1211514295.51103
2011NYJ16167253194.51313
2012NYJ16165535203.00012
2013NYJ161653371610.00203
2014NYJ16164027135.00003
2015NYJ1612221573.00211
Career Totals18715762147015160.03211132
Pace's sack production notably increased after transitioning to the in 2008, where he recorded 46 of his career 60 sacks over eight seasons, peaking at 10 sacks in 2013. This improvement coincided with his shift to a more prominent outside linebacker role, enhancing his pass-rushing impact compared to his earlier years with the .

Playoff statistics

Calvin Pace appeared in six NFL playoff games during his career, all with the New York Jets in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, contributing to two consecutive AFC Championship appearances. Over these contests, he recorded 23 combined tackles (21 solo, 2 assisted), 3.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing his pass-rushing prowess in high-stakes matchups. These totals highlight his role as a rotational and starting outside linebacker in the Jets' aggressive 3-4 defense under Rex Ryan, where he focused on edge pressure and run support during deep postseason runs. In the 2009 postseason (Jets' 9-7 regular season), Pace played all three games, tallying 13 tackles and 1 forced fumble without a sack. He notched 2 tackles in the Wild Card win over the on January 9, 2010, followed by 4 tackles (3 solo) in the Divisional Round victory against the on January 17, 2010, and a postseason-high 7 tackles (6 solo) in the AFC Championship loss to the on January 24, 2010. His forced fumble occurred in the , when he stripped . Pace's most impactful playoff stretch occurred in the 2010 postseason (Jets' 11-5 regular season), where he started two of three games and achieved all 3 of his career playoff sacks alongside his second forced fumble. He recorded 4 tackles and 1 sack in the Wild Card triumph over the Colts on January 8, 2011, then delivered 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble—stripping quarterback on a crucial third-down play—in the Divisional Round upset of the on January 16, 2011. In the AFC Championship defeat to the on January 23, 2011, he added 3 tackles and his third sack of the run.
CategoryGames PlayedCombined TacklesSolo TacklesAssisted TacklesSacksForced Fumbles
Career Playoff Totals6232123.02
Pace's playoff contributions, particularly his 3 sacks across six games, ranked him among active edge rushers for efficiency in limited opportunities.

Physical measurables

Calvin Pace measured 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) in height and weighed 269 pounds (122 kg) at the 2003 NFL Scouting Combine. His 40-yard dash time of 4.79 seconds demonstrated solid straight-line speed for a defensive end of his size, placing him in the 58th percentile among edge rushers. Pace also recorded a vertical jump of 33.0 inches (84 cm), reflecting good lower-body explosiveness, and a broad jump of 115 inches (292 cm), which underscored his ability to generate power off the line. These physical attributes contributed significantly to Pace's draft stock, earning him a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 7.11 out of 10.0, an above-average mark for defensive ends that highlighted his versatility as an athletic capable of disrupting plays from multiple alignments. Scouts noted his combination of size, quickness, and power, including long arms that aided in shedding blockers, positioning him as a first-round prospect despite not recording a at the combine. This profile ultimately led to his selection by the at the 18th overall pick in the . In his professional career, Pace's combine-measured explosiveness and length translated to effective pass-rushing production, allowing him to accumulate 60 sacks over 13 seasons.

Personal life and legacy

Family and post-NFL residence

Calvin Pace has maintained a private personal life, with no publicly available details regarding his marital status or children from reputable sources. Following his retirement from the NFL after the 2015 season with the New York Jets, Pace resides in the Atlanta area of Georgia, close to Lithia Springs where he attended high school and played football. He owned a home in the Atlanta area as early as 2005 during his playing career. Post-retirement, Pace has engaged in entrepreneurial activities, serving as an organizer for APEX Transport & Logistics LLC, registered at an Atlanta address. Pace has shown interest in community involvement, participating in charitable efforts such as distributing over 400 turkeys and holiday meal fixings to food pantry clients in New York in 2008 alongside fellow Jets players.

Awards, honors, and post-retirement activities

In his NFL career, Pace did not receive or honors, but he established himself as a reliable veteran presence on the ' defense over eight seasons, contributing to the team's pass-rush efforts as one of its longest-tenured players. After retiring from the following the 2015 season, Pace was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, recognizing his standout collegiate achievements and record-setting performance as the Demon Deacons' all-time leader in tackles for loss. In January 2022, he joined the Deac2Deac podcast, produced by Wake Forest Athletics, to reflect on his career, from his college days to his professional tenure with the and Jets. Pace's professional legacy is highlighted by his 46.0 sacks with the Jets, which rank eighth in franchise history, despite playing only half his career with the team.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaceCa20.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4476/calvin-pace
  3. https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame/calvin-pace/143
  4. https://www.nfl.com/players/calvin-pace/
  5. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4476/calvin-pace
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nkXMOvawsc
  7. https://godeacs.com/news/2022/1/13/football-retired-nfl-player-and-wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame-member-calvin-pace-joins-the-deac2deac-podcast.aspx
  8. https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1586467.html
  9. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/07/28/Arizona-Cardinals-sign-top-draft-pick/28321059422907/
  10. https://godeacs.com/news/2002/12/5/calvin_pace_named_first_team_all_american_by_the_afca
  11. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2002-team-defense.html
  12. https://godeacs.com/news/2002/8/16/Four_Deacons_Named_To_Gridiron_Classic_Watch_List
  13. https://godeacs.com/news/2024/9/12/football-by-the-numbers-and-notes-ole-miss
  14. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/4266/calvin-pace
  15. https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2225914
  16. https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/ex-cardinal-pace-blames-green-for-hard-times-in-arizona/article_b66e1247-7249-5291-995b-656a8f9be369.html
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/sports/football/24jets.html
  18. https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2009/3/16/789169/arizona-cardinals-previous
  19. https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9177512/new-york-jets-bring-back-cut-calvin-pace-source-says
  20. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/report-jets-re-sign-lb-calvin-pace-to-two-year-5-million-deal/
  21. https://nypost.com/2013/07/16/jets-top-25-no-7-calvin-pace/
  22. https://www.newyorkjets.com/history/all-time-leaders/career-sacks
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaceCa20/gamelog/post/
  24. https://www.nfl.com/players/calvin-pace/stats/career
  25. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/fumbles_forced_career_playoffs.htm
  26. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/calvin-pace-career-postseason-stats
  27. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2003-combine.htm
  28. https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/calvin-pace
  29. https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/stats/combine/?year=2003
  30. https://ras.football/2019/12/24/calvin-pace-ras/
  31. https://bigblueinteractive.com/2003/04/16/2003-nfl-draft-prospects/
  32. https://brokersnapshot.com/Company?dot=3972323&prefix=MC&docket=1484737
  33. https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/owner-players-give-thanks-along-with-turkeys-2514642
  34. https://thejetpress.com/2019/06/29/new-york-jets-player-day-olb-calvin-pace/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.