On Tuesday, West Virginia and Big 12 legend Tavon Austin officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
Austin, a four-year member of the Mountaineers, was one of college football’s most exciting athletes from 2009 to 2012.
Austin shared a long sentiment on Instagram to commemorate the next chapter of his life, saying, “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.”
After an incredible career in Morgantown, Austin was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his NFL career, Austin posted 244 catches for 2,239 yards and 16 scores. He also compiled some solid numbers in the ground game, with 199 carries for 1,361 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His impressive ability in the return game helped pave the way to one of the greatest collegiate highlight videos ever made, Tavon Austin’s “Only One” highlight video.
While his NFL career may be over, Tavon Austin is a name that will live on in the minds of West Virginia fans, Big 12 fans, and college football fans forever.
