WVU Legend Tavon Austin Officially Announces Retirement

Take a moment to appreciate a Tavon Austin highlight today, as the WVU legend has officially announced his retirement.

Austin posted a statement on his Instagram account to reveal the end of his professional football career. “No matter how hard you work or how bad you want something, sometimes God has other plans. I wasn’t sure 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 10 years, I am officially retiring from the NFL,” said Austin at the beginning of his retirement announcement.

“Football gave me more than a career, it gave me lifelong friendships and molded so much of my character.”

Former #Rams WR and West Virginia star Tavon Austin is retiring from the NFL. One of the most electric college football players of all time. pic.twitter.com/TscDlCrZeB

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 13, 2024

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.

TAVON. AWESOME.

Congrats & enjoy your retirement, @Tayaustin01 🫡 pic.twitter.com/qXiiyICknz

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) August 13, 2024

Austin is WVU’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards and the only player in college football history to score a touchdown on a run, catch, punt return and kick return in the same season.

Greatest highlight tape of all time followed by 10 years in the league. Congrats on your retirement, 1.

Look forward to having you around even more now. See you at Puskar Stadium 😎 pic.twitter.com/WwA8OoXcGg

— Taylor West (@TaylorLWest_) August 14, 2024

Find more coverage of Mountaineer legend Tavon Austin as he embarks on his life after football at WV Sports Now.