West Virginia legend, former first-round pick Tavon Austin retires from NFL

Tavon Austin staked a claim as one of the most exciting players in college football history at West Virginia , and now his NFL career is coming to a close.

Austin announced his retirement on his Instagram account on Aug. 13. He was a first-round pick (No. 8 overall) by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL draft and played for six teams over the next decade.

“No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans,” Austin 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 was a two-time All-American at West Virginia and a three-time All-Big East/All-Big 12 selection who earned Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in 2011 and Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year in 2012. He also won the Paul Hornung Award in 2012 as the nation’s most versatile player in 2012.

Austin finished his West Virginia career with 6,986 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns.