Geno Smith on Tavon Austin: ‘He Changed My Life Forever’

Even while preparing for the new NFL season, Geno Smith had to take to pay tribute to the recently retired Tavon Austin. Smith has played with plenty of great players throughout his career, but he recognizes Austin as one who changed his life more than any other.

“Tavon Austin changed my life forever, made me a better quarterback, allowed me to grow and, you know, all the stuff that we did back in college, man, those would be memories that we’ll keep forever,” Smith told Peter Schrager during an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Wednesday.

Smith then went even deeper about what his fellow Mountaineer legend means to him and how he hopes Austin is remembered.

“I was hoping to get a chance to play with Tavon at least one more time. I told him this, he changed the game forever. The amount of kids who grew up watching his highlight tapes and all the things he did when we were at West Virginia and the style that he played – he was truly ahead of his time. He’s a one-of-one type of player,” said Smith.

“Tavon Austin changed my life forever, made me a better quarterback, allowed me to grow and, you know, all the stuff that we did back in college, man, those would be memories that we’ll keep forever.” — @GenoSmith3 on his college teammate, the recently retired @Tayaustin01 pic.twitter.com/CCuBD5WV25

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 4, 2024

“I don’t think there will ever be another player that plays the game and can do as much as he can. Dynamic with the ball in his hands, and just a great teammate overall. Always brought that energy, always brought the right stuff to the game. He changed my life forever. He made me a better quarterback, allowed me to grow. All of the stuff that we did back at college, those will be memories that we’ll keep forever. Honestly, just grateful to ever be able to play with him.”

Originally drafted by the then St. Louis Rams, Austin put up strong numbers being used as a wide receiver/running back hybrid his first three seasons in the NFL, but a change in the offensive scheme when the Rams hired current head coach Sean McVay led to a disappointing 2017 season.

Austin was then traded to Dallas the following season, but only started three NFL games since leaving St. Louis. All three of those games came with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he caught 24 passes for 213 yards. He spent time on the Bills’ practice squad and joined the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks in 2023.

Austin was a star at WVU from 2009-12, accumulating 4,446 scrimmage yards throughout his four years in Morgantown. Austin’s WVU highlight tape is what he will always be remembered for from his college days. The Baltimore native was untouchable when he was in the open field. Austin scored 15 touchdowns his senior year.

For a related story, Pat McAfee showed appreciation to Tavon Austin on his show the morning after his retirement.