Former College Football Phenom Announces NFL Retirement

Former West Virginia standout and one of the most electric players of his generation, Tavon Austin, announced his retirement from the NFL via social media on Tuesday.

"No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans," he wrote . "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."

Austin, 34, was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2013 draft. He went on to play five seasons for the Rams before a two-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. Austin spent the next three seasons with brief appearances for the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and, most recently, the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

The Baltimore, Maryland, native first took college football by storm as a Mountaineer.

Originally used as a running back, Austin transitioned to wide receiver ahead of his freshman season. He played sparingly that year, but the 5-foot-8, 185-pound speedster gave a glimpse of his skillset with a kick return touchdown. Austin led West Virginia in receiving touchdowns (8) as a sophomore. He also added 58 receptions for 787 yards and another 159 yards with a score as a ball carrier.

The former four-star recruit hit a different level as a junior, hauling in 100 receptions for 1,180 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver. He also totaled 189 yards and a score on the ground while also returning a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns.

Austin set an Orange Bowl record that year by catching four touchdown passes on the way to a 70-33 victory over Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers.

Austin's senior season was something of a legend. He topped his career marks with 114 receptions for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with 643 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. Austin also returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns in 2012.

The two-time All-American left West Virginia as the program's all-time leader in receptions (288), receiving yards (4,446) and all-purpose yards (7,286).

His highlight tape is still one of the most jaw-dropping clips college football fans have witnessed.

Related: Kirby Smart Reveals 'Common Theme' Hurting College Football