Former first-round pick Tavon Austin announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, via Instagram.
Austin, 34, a.k.a. “The Pocket Rocket,” was drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013 and played in nine NFL seasons, mostly with the Rams. He spent one season each with the Cowboys, Packers and Jaguars, respectively, from 2019 to 2021, and was also on the Bills’ practice squad in 2022 prior to asking for his release.
In his classy post, Austin thanked “all of the organizations, coaches, and staff that took a chance on me” and credited football with changing his life. He closed the retirement message by saying, “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.”
The undersized but dangerous triple threat -- as a receiver, runner and returner -- totaled 1,361 yards rushing; 2,239 yards receiving; 1,483 yards on kickoff returns; plus 451 yards on punt returns. Austin also scored 16 receiving touchdowns, 10 more on the ground and three as a kickoff returner in the NFL.
Austin had a brilliant college career at West Virginia, totaling 4,446 yards from scrimmage, 2,840 more on returns and 40 touchdowns in 52 college games for the Mountaineers.