Tavon Austin, who spent 10 years in the National Football League with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills, has officially announced his retirement. He took to Instagram to make the announcement.
“No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans. 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,” the statement began.
Austin was drafted by the Rams with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft after spending four years at West Virginia.
Austin spent five years with the Rams, where he enjoyed the most success of his career as a receiver, rusher, and returner. Austin’s best season came in 2015 when he had 52 receptions, 52 rushes, and a total of 907 yards from scrimmage. He also had a total of 10 touchdowns — five receiving, four rushing, and one via a kick return.
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Austin spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Cowboys, before spending one season in Green Bay and the final season of his career in Jacksonville. In 2021, his final season playing in the NFL, Austin had 24 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. He was with the Bills at the beginning of 2022 but didn’t play in the regular season.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for turning my childhood dream into a reality,” Austin’s statement continued. “God has blessed me beyond measure! I want to thank my fans who cheered for me and stood by me through the ups and downs. Without you, I wouldn’t have a career. I’d also like to thank all of the organizations, coaches, and staff that took a chance on me. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities, and I hope you all knew that I played from the heart and gave my ALL every day, regardless of the circumstances. To my teammates, I made some everlasting memories with you guys, and it was an honor to share the field with you. To my family, I couldn’t have done it without your love and support; you witnessed my physical, mental, and emotional battles on and off the field.”
Austin is retiring from football at 34 years old. He gave one final message to the sport he loves so much.
“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.”
