Calvin Pace is a American football linebacker that signed with the New York Jets on March 3, 2008. He agreed to a six-year, $42 million deal that includes $22 million in guaranteed money. Prior to signing with the Jets he was contemplating signing with the Miami Dolphins. He was previously a member of the Arizona Cardinals.
Fast Facts:
- Name: Calvin Pace
- Born: October 28, 1980
- Birthplace: Detriot, Michigan
- Attended Lithia Springs High School in Lithia Springs, Georgia
- Attended Wake Forest University
- Was a two-time All-ACC selection
- Finished his college career with 29 sacks, 189 tackles, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery
- Was a first round draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals
Player 2009-10 season
With the hire of defensive genius Rex Ryan as the Jets head coach it was widely speculated that the Jets defensive players would take kindly to playing in that system. Pace was no different. Despite being suspended for four games at the beginning of the season after violating the league's substance abuse policy, Pace still had a strong season. As the chief pass rusher in Ryan's system, Pace had 8 sacks, 55 tackles and three fumbles forced in 12 games. Pace was utilized to do a little bit of everything in Ryan's scheme, whether it was rushing from the inside, rushing from the outside or dropping back in coverage. He excelled at everything he was asked to do, and became a valuable cog in the Jets number 1 ranked defense. The eight sacks Pace registered marked a career high, despite only playing in 12 games. In the postseason Pace failed to register a sack, but contributed to the Jets cause with ten tackles and a fumble forced in the three games.
Coming into the 2010 season, Pace looks to establish himself into one of the league's best pass rushers as the Jets look to make a run to the Superbowl. Pace could very well get into double digits in sacks as the Jets have a surplus of pass rushers that should keep double teams away from Pace along with the creative schemes of Head Coach Rex Ryan.
