Tavon Austin has been out of football for three years now, but he was never officially retired — until now.
The former NFL wide receiver and return specialist made the formal announcement Tuesday, posting on his Instagram that he is retiring from football.
"No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans," Austin wrote in his Instagram caption. "I wasn’t sure if I was ready to give up football, and it has been one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever made. But after an incredible ten years, I’m officially retiring from the NFL.
"Football gave me more than a career. It gave me some lifelong friendships and molded so much of my character. It taught me how vital choices are and how decision-making affects you. Football created in me a mindset of relentless pursuit and hard work ethic! Football didn’t always love me back, but it will always be my first love! I will forever cherish the time I spent in the NFL. It has indeed been a privilege.
"Just like seasons, they come to an end, and it’s time for me to enter my next chapter in life."
Austin last suited up in the NFL in 2021, playing in seven games for the Jaguars. Across his career, he spent time with the Rams, Cowboys, Packers and Jaguars.
While his time in the NFL was notable, Austin's most impressive highlight reel undoubtedly comes from his college days at West Virginia. With the Mountaineers, the wide receiver/returner electrified the gridiron, putting together one show-stopping play after another.
Here is more to know about Austin's career in college and in the NFL.
MORE: NFL Preseason injury tracker | RB depth charts
Tavon Austin college stats
Austin attended the University of West Virginia for four seasons, playing for the Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012.
During his time in college, he received two First-Team All-American selections (2011 and 2012), twice was named a first-team selection for the conference (2011 and 2012) and also won Special Team Player of the Year for the conference both seasons. His outstanding versatility made him much-watch television, even though West Virginia's best finish during his time was an Orange Bowl win in 2012.
Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats on offense in the passing and rushing game.
| Year | School | Games | Receptions | Rec. Yards | Rec. TDs | Attempts | Rush yards | Rush TDs |
| 2009 | West Virginia | 13 | 15 | 151 | 1 | 6 | 47 | 1 |
| 2010 | West Virginia | 13 | 58 | 787 | 8 | 16 | 161 | 1 |
| 2011 | West Virginia | 13 | 101 | 1,186 | 8 | 16 | 182 | 1 |
| 2012 | West Virginia | 13 | 114 | 1,289 | 12 | 72 | 643 | 3 |
| Total | — | 52 | 288 | 3,415 | 29 | 110 | 1.033 | 6 |
Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats as a return man.
| Year | School | Games | Punt returns | PR yards | PR TDs | Kick returns | KR yards | KR TDs |
| 2009 | West Virginia | 13 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 426 | 1 |
| 2010 | West Virginia | 13 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 230 | 0 |
| 2011 | West Virginia | 13 | 19 | 268 | 0 | 36 | 938 | 2 |
| 2012 | West Virginia | 13 | 15 | 165 | 1 | 32 | 813 | 1 |
| Total | — | 52 | 34 | 433 | 1 | 25 | 2,407 | 4 |
Tavon Austin college highlights
In honor of Tavon Austin retiring…
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 13, 2024
The greatest highlight video in football history
pic.twitter.com/FJBgV2z9Z4
MORE PRESEASON: Week 1 rookie QB grades | Week 1 overreactions
Tavon Austin NFL stats
Austin was drafted No. 8 overall by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. While he may never have quite lived up to his draft placement, he still enjoyed a successful career.
Over the course of nine seasons, Austin amassed 2,239 receiving yards on 244 catches and 16 touchdowns. He was a versatile option, repeatedly taking handoffs and using his speed on the ground game, as well as being used as a punt returner.
Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats on offense in the passing and rushing game.
| Year | Team | Games | Targets | Receptions | Rec. Yards | Rec. TDs | Attempts | Rush yards | Rush TDs |
| 2013 | Rams | 13 | 69 | 40 | 418 | 4 | 9 | 151 | 1 |
| 2014 | Rams | 15 | 44 | 31 | 242 | 0 | 36 | 224 | 2 |
| 2015 | Rams | 16 | 87 | 52 | 473 | 5 | 52 | 434 | 4 |
| 2016 | Rams | 15 | 106 | 58 | 509 | 3 | 28 | 159 | 1 |
| 2017 | Rams | 16 | 22 | 13 | 47 | 0 | 59 | 270 | 1 |
| 2018 | Cowboys | 7 | 13 | 8 | 140 | 2 | 6 | 55 | 0 |
| 2019 | Cowboys | 14 | 24 | 13 | 177 | 1 | 6 | 47 | 1 |
| 2020 | Packers | 4 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 | Jaguars | 13 | 37 | 24 | 213 | 1 | 3 | 21 | 0 |
| Total | — | 113 | 407 | 244 | 2,239 | 3 | 25 | 451 | 0 |
Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats as a return man.
| Year | Team | Games | Punt returns | PR yards | PR TDs | Kick returns | KR yards | KR TDs |
| 2013 | Rams | 13 | 33 | 280 | 1 | 18 | 398 | 0 |
| 2014 | Rams | 15 | 35 | 391 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 0 |
| 2015 | Rams | 16 | 34 | 263 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 0 |
| 2016 | Rams | 15 | 44 | 336 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | Rams | 16 | 12 | 53 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
| 2018 | Cowboys | 7 | 10 | 58 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 | Cowboys | 14 | 17 | 84 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 | Packers | 4 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 | Jaguars | 13 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Total | — | 113 | 190 | 1,483 | 3 | 25 | 451 | 0 |
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Tavon Austin NFL highlights
Tavon Austin career earnings
Over the course of his career, Austin accumulated about $40 million in earnings in the NFL. His biggest pay day came when he signed a four-year, $42 million contract with the Rams, including $28.5 million in guaranteed money.
Here is a breakdown of how much he made as an NFL player.
| Year | Team | Earnings |
| 2013 | Rams | $8,058,456 |
| 2014 | Rams | $984,591 |
| 2015 | Rams | $1,605,835 |
| 2016 | Rams | $5,897,884 |
| 2017 | Rams | $14,977,116 |
| 2018 | Cowboys | $5,875,000 |
| 2019 | Cowboys | $1,707,603 |
| 2020 | Packers | $519,778 |
| 2021 | Jaguars | $990,000 |
| Total | — | $40,616,263 |
