Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and special teams playmaker Tavon Austin has decided to call it a career. Austin made the announcement of his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) on Tuesday, marking the end of his impressive decade-long tenure in the league. Austin took to Instagram to share the news with his followers, posting a video that not only confirmed his retirement but also showcased some of the memorable moments from his outstanding football journey.
Prior to his time in the NFL, Austin was a standout playmaker at West Virginia University. His remarkable performance in the 2011 Orange Bowl against Clemson, where he contributed multiple touchdowns, played a pivotal role in the Mountaineers’ dominant 70-33 victory. Additionally, Austin was part of the first West Virginia team to compete in the Big 12 conference during the 2012 season.
During his final year of college football, Austin’s exceptional abilities were recognized as he was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year. He also received First-Team All-Big 12 honors and was twice recognized as a First-Team All-American at West Virginia.
Selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the then St. Louis Rams, Austin quickly established himself as one of the league’s fastest and most electrifying playmakers. With his remarkable speed and athleticism, he often left defenders in his wake. Notably, Austin’s prowess on special teams was evident as he scored three punt return touchdowns throughout his professional career, accumulating a total of 1,515 punt return yards.
While Austin’s primary role was as a wide receiver, he still managed to make a significant impact in that position. Over the course of his NFL career, he recorded 244 receptions for 2,239 yards and 16 touchdowns. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the Professional Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2013.
Throughout his time in the NFL, Austin had stints with various teams, including the Rams, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers. Although his retirement officially takes place in 2024, his last appearance on the field was during the 2022 season with the Buffalo Bills, where he did not participate in any games. Austin’s final NFL action occurred in 2021 while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Undoubtedly, Tavon Austin leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be missed by fans, particularly those from West Virginia who had the privilege of witnessing his incredible talents firsthand.
Photo from Tavon Austin (X) Account