Austin Calitro, a former Danbury High School, and Villanova football star has taken the next step in his professional football career.

During the past year, I've been keeping you updated on Austin's career path. First, I told you about his selection to play in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl — the college all-star game, which showcases many of the best college football players in the country, including many future NFL stars.

Then, back in May, I did a story on Austin getting another step closer to fulfilling his dream by signing a free agent contract with the New York Jets.

Well, after 10 days with the Jets back in May, they waived him so he was free to sign with any other interested team. Well, that interested team has just stepped up and signed Austin to a two year contract. That team is the San Francisco 49ers.

According to newstimes.com, the 49ers just placed linebacker Malcom Smith, who you may remember was a former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the Seattle Seahawks, on the injured reserve list with a torn pectoral muscle. That opened the door for Colitro to sign with San Francisco.

I watched Austin Colitro grow up here in Danbury, playing both Football and Baseball, and I’m not surprised that he’s gone so far during his Football career.

A standout on the gridiron for the Danbury Hatters for four seasons, Austin choose Villanova to play his collegiate football. The 6′ 1”, 247 lb. linebacker started out on special teams before becoming a defensive starter, team captain, and an all-American.

Good luck to Austin. We'll definitely be watching when the 49ers take on the Giants on November 12.

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