Former first-round NFL draft pick Tavon Austin has officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a notable career. Austin made the announcement on Tuesday via Instagram.
The 34-year-old, known as “The Pocket Rocket,” was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. Over his nine-season career, Austin spent the majority of his time with the Rams and had stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Jacksonville Jaguars between 2019 and 2021. He also briefly joined the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad in 2022 before requesting his release.
In his heartfelt retirement post, Austin expressed gratitude to the “organizations, coaches, and staff that took a chance on me,” acknowledging how football transformed his life. He concluded his message with a reflective note: “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.”
Austin’s career was marked by his versatility as a receiver, runner, and return specialist. He accumulated 1,361 rushing yards, 2,239 receiving yards, and 1,483 yards on kickoff returns, alongside 451 yards on punt returns. His career totals include 16 receiving touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns, and three touchdowns from kickoff returns.
Before his NFL career, Austin had an impressive college career at West Virginia, where he amassed 4,446 yards from scrimmage, 2,840 yards in returns, and 40 touchdowns in 52 games for the Mountaineers.