Pains down my shin and calf after playing football?

Shin splints: This could be shin splints if it is mostly in the front along the bone with small amount radiating into the muscle. If the majority of pain is in the muscle, this could be other things. A strain or injury could cause this. Any past injuries to that calf? Something more concerning could be compartment syndrome. While this is rare, if the pain gets a lot worse, go to the er as it can be serious.