Connected sports records
Season reference · 2000–2015
Year by year
01 / Biography
Life and background
Cleveland, Ohio State and a dream fulfilled
Born in Cleveland on December 22, 1977, Jace grew up with football deeply connected to family life. His father was Ohio State’s head coach from 1990–2010. After becoming one of the country’s top high school prospects, Ohio State was the natural destination.
He attended Ohio State from 1996–2000 alongside his twin brother, Drake, who became the starting quarterback in his junior and senior seasons. Cleveland selected Jace third overall in the 2000 NFL Draft.
His reaction to joining his hometown Browns: “This is a dream come true”.
A dominant receiver
Jace was outspoken, outgoing and confident, but generally well-liked by fans and teammates. His confidence came across as natural and charismatic rather than a source of constant controversy.
In 2005 he caught 148 passes for 1,876 yards and 17 touchdowns, winning the receiving Triple Crown. In 2006 he followed with 150 catches, 1,966 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning Offensive Player of the Year.
He remained productive for years and resurged in 2013 with 138 receptions, 1,852 yards and 15 touchdowns. His second Offensive Player of the Year award came in 2014.
“don’t trade me”
Jace repeatedly told Cleveland that he did not want to leave. His message to the organization was direct: “don’t trade me”. He also pushed for a no-trade clause because he wanted to finish his career as a Brown.
Following the 2014 season, Cleveland traded him to Denver anyway. Jace cried upon learning the news and seriously considered retiring rather than playing elsewhere.
He ultimately continued because he believed he had an obligation to play once Denver acquired him: “I have a job to do”. He never truly embraced being a Bronco emotionally and remained depressed over leaving Cleveland.
Six games in Denver
A torn ACL ended Jace’s 2015 season after six games and effectively ended his career. His reaction captured the finality: “career’s done, it’s over”.
Denver went on to win Super Bowl 50, giving Jace a championship ring. The title did not erase the emotional difficulty of how his playing career ended.
Coming home
In 2016, Cleveland brought Jace back on a one-day contract so he could officially retire as a Brown. The franchise later retired his No. 18.
There was no major public apology for trading him. Being brought home mattered more to Jace than a formal statement. He became emotional during his return and held no lasting grudge against the Browns.
Jace is married to Harper Calloway. They have no children. His twin brother is Drake Calloway.
02 / Career & Football Identity
The player and the résumé
Jace Calloway became one of his era’s most reliable and productive receivers, with contested catches his greatest strength. His approach was simple: “You throw I catch”.
His career was also a story of genuine franchise loyalty. Cleveland was his hometown, his dream destination and the place he wanted to finish—even after the Browns traded him away.
03 / Personality
The person behind the record
Outspoken, outgoing, confident and charismatic, Jace was generally well-liked. His attachment to Cleveland was genuine and survived the pain of being traded.
04 / Relationships
People in the record
05 / Legacy & Analysis
What the life and résumé mean
A highly productive receiver and one of WAU history’s clearest examples of franchise loyalty. His return to retire as a Brown meant more to him than a public apology.