Mountaineers in the Pros

WVU Legend Tavon Austin Joins XFL’s Houston Roughnecks

Published

9 months ago

July 29, 2023

Add another chapter to the Tavon Austin story. The WVU legend signed with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks.

After putting up a college career full of highlights as a Mountaineer, Austin’s professional football journey has been a difficult roller coaster.

Perhaps the biggest signing in Houston Roughnecks franchise history: the team has added former West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin (@Tayaustin01) to the roster.
Austin was selected 8th overall in the 2013 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. He played for the Rams through the… pic.twitter.com/o47rJQdWx4
— Evan Willsmore (@evan_willsmore) July 29, 2023

Most recently as far as the NFL, Austin, who was honored last year as part of the 2022 class of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, was unable to see the field with Buffalo after joining their practice squad before the regular season.

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, but a change in offensive scheme when the team hired current head coach Sean McVay led to a disappointing 2017 season.

He was then traded to Dallas the following season, but has only started three games since leaving St. Louis. All three of those games came with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he caught 24 passes for 213 yards.

Tavon Austin recently worked out with former WVU teammate Geno Smith recently now looks to use this XFL opportunity as a way to reignite his professional career.