Tavon Austin

March 15, 1990 — Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Tavon Austin is an American former professional football player known for his electrifying speed and versatility as a wide receiver and return specialist. A two-time first-team All-American at West Virginia University, he was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft and went on to play nine seasons in the league. Austin's combination of quickness and elusiveness made him one of the most dynamic offensive weapons of his college era.

Early Life and College Career

Tavon Wesley Austin was born on March 15, 1990, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up passionate about football and developed into a standout athlete known for his rare combination of speed, agility, and vision with the ball in his hands. Austin attended West Virginia University, where he became one of the most exciting players in college football. Playing under the Mountaineers' high-tempo offense, he excelled as a receiver, running back, and return specialist, touching the ball in multiple ways to maximize his explosive playmaking ability. His senior season in 2012 was especially remarkable, as he racked up thousands of all-purpose yards and scored numerous touchdowns through rushing, receiving, and return touchdowns. Austin's dominant performances earned him first-team All-American honors twice, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile offensive threats in the country. His college highlight reel, filled with long touchdown runs and electrifying returns, drew comparisons to some of the shiftiest players in the sport and made him a household name among college football fans well before he entered the NFL.

NFL Career

The St. Louis Rams selected Tavon Austin in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft, recognizing his rare athletic gifts and potential as a game-changing offensive weapon. Austin quickly became known in the league for his special teams contributions, particularly as a punt returner, where his shiftiness made him a constant threat to break off a touchdown. As a receiver, he was used creatively in the Rams' and later Los Angeles Rams' offenses, often lining up in the backfield or in motion to exploit mismatches. Over his nine-year NFL career, Austin also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, adding depth and versatility to their receiving corps. Though he never quite replicated the gaudy statistical dominance of his college career at the professional level, Austin remained a valuable role player, contributing on offense, special teams, and even occasionally as a runner out of the backfield. His NFL tenure showcased his durability and adaptability, as coaches found ways to use his unique skill set within various offensive schemes throughout his career.

Legacy and Impact

Tavon Austin's legacy is defined by his rare versatility and the excitement he brought to every level of football he played. At West Virginia, he remains remembered as one of the program's all-time great playmakers, with his all-purpose yardage records and electrifying performances still discussed among Mountaineers fans. His two first-team All-American selections placed him among an elite group of college football's most dominant players of his generation. In the NFL, Austin's nine-year career demonstrated his ability to adapt and contribute in multiple roles, from receiver to returner to occasional running back, reflecting his football intelligence and physical gifts. While injuries and the evolving nature of NFL offenses sometimes limited his statistical output at the professional level, his impact on special teams and his big-play ability left a lasting impression on coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Austin's career serves as an example of how a uniquely talented athlete can carve out a lasting professional career by embracing versatility rather than being confined to a single position.