Calvin Pace

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Lore & Background

Pace's transition to the Jets began with a major financial commitment, securing him as a cornerstone of the defense. His versatility was evident immediately; while he started all 16 games in 2007 for Arizona as an outside linebacker, he brought that experience to New York where he logged 80 tackles and 7 sacks in his first year. The 2009 season presented a significant challenge when the NFL suspended him for the first four games due to a performance-enhancing drug violation. Despite missing time, Pace returned to record 55 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in just 12 contests, helping the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game where they fell to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. The following year, 2010, brought another setback as a foot injury sustained during preseason training camp sidelined him for the first four games. He recovered to start the rest of the season, contributing 51 tackles and 5.5 sacks as New York advanced to the AFC Championship Game again, this time losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 24–19.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Pace's Jets career is defined by resilience and specific statistical peaks amidst setbacks. In 2013, after being released on February 19, he was re-signed on April 16 to a one-year contract. That season became his most productive in terms of sacks with the team; playing all 16 games, he recorded 37 tackles and a career-high 10 sacks for New York, along with 3 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. His final full year came in 2014 after the Jets re-signed him to a two-year, $5 million deal on March 16. Early in that season, on September 13, 2014, he drew attention for a roughing the passer penalty against the Oakland Raiders, resulting in a fine of $16,537. Throughout his time in New York, Pace consistently played all available games when healthy, including the full 16-game schedules in 2011, 2012, and 2013, providing stability as he accumulated tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles year after year.

Reader's Guide

Fans looking at Calvin Pace's Jets tenure should focus on his adaptability and specific game logs. He arrived in 2008 and immediately started contributing, playing all 16 games in seasons like 2011 (53 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and 2012 (35 tackles, 3 sacks). His ability to impact the game was clear even when his time on the field was limited; in 2009, despite a four-game suspension, he still managed 8 sacks in 12 games. The 2013 season stands out as his statistical peak with the Jets, where his 10 sacks led the team's pass rush efforts for that year. His career also highlights the physical toll of the position; missing time in 2009 due to suspension and 2010 due to a foot injury, yet returning to start the majority of games in both instances. For a complete picture, note his final contract extension in March 2014 and the specific fine he received in September 2014 for contact with a quarterback.

Did You Know?

• Pace signed a six-year, $42 million deal with the Jets on March 3, 2008, which included $22 million in guaranteed money.
• He was suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
• In his final full season with the Jets (2013), Pace recorded a team-high 10 sacks while playing all 16 games.
• Pace was fined $16,537 on September 13, 2014, for a roughing the passer penalty against the Oakland Raiders.
• He missed the first four games of the 2010 season due to a foot injury sustained during preseason training camp.