Tavon Austin retires, remembering the man with the greatest highlight reel of all-time

Former first-round pick Tavon Austin took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce his retirement from the NFL.

Austin played nine NFL seasons from 2013 to 2021 with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent 2022 on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.

Austin's college career at West Virginia is widely considered one of the best for a wide receiver in recent memory. Unfortunately, that success did not translate to the NFL. Austin saw more work as a kick and punt returner than anything else. Despite that lack of success at the professional level though, Austin's college highlight reel is still considered one of the most riveting videos in football history.

Was Tavon Austin ever a Pro Bowler?

No. Austin was considered a very good punt returner though. In 2013, Austin had the longest punt return of the season at 98 yards. He returned at least one punt for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons.

Austin's prowess as a special teamer tailed off after 2015 though. In his final season with Jacksonville, Austin was only entrusted with two punt returns.

What were Tavon Austin's career NFL stats?

Austin ended his career with 244 receptions, 2,239 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns. Austin was also utilized as a rusher often, gaining 1,361 yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 attempts throughout his career.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former first-round pick Tavon Austin retires from the NFL