Calvin Pace

Former NFL linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets.

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.

Quick Facts

Position: Linebacker
Born: 28 October 1980
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
High school: Lithia Springs (GA)
College: Wake Forest
Draft year: 2003
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 18

Lore & Background

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

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. He had turned down a previous offer with the Miami Dolphins prior to signing with the Jets. Pace was suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season by the NFL after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. In August 2010, Pace injured his foot during the preseason.

After missing the first four games, Pace started the remainder of the season. Pace was released from the Jets on February 19, 2013. He was re-signed by the team on April 16 to a one-year contract. The Jets re-signed Pace to a two-year, $5 million contract on March 16, 2014.

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

Reader's Guide

Calvin Pace played for the New York Jets from 2008 to 2014. His 2009 season was interrupted by a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. In 2010, he missed the first four games due to a foot injury. He was released on February 19, 2013, re-signed on April 16, 2013, and then re-signed to a two-year, $5 million contract on March 16, 2014.