Calvin Pace

Calvin Lamar Pace (born October 28, 1980) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by Arizona Cardinals in the first round (18th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest.

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

Freshman (1999)
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.

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

Junior (2001)
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.

Senior (2002)
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.

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.

Arizona Cardinals
Pace was selected by Arizona Cardinals in the first round (18th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft.

In 2003, as a rookie, Pace 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.

2008
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. In his first year in New York, Pace compiled 80 tackles (including 63 solo) and 7 quarterback sacks.

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

2010
On August 2010 Pace injured his foot during preseason and missed the first four games of the season. Following missing the first four games of the season with a fracture on his foot. In 12 games (11 started) Pace recording 51 tackles, 5.5 sacks, One Interception along with One Forced Fumble. Helping the Jets finished 11-5 advancing all the way to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year in a row but losing to Pittsburgh Steelers by the final score 24-19.

2013
Pace was released from the Jets on February 19.

Measurables

 * 4.65 40 Yard Dash
 * 31 Inch Vertical
 * 19 Bench Reps
 * 4.62 Short Shuttle
 * 9-foot-7 Broad Jump

Personal
Pace has admitted to having a "small" fear of heights.