Tavon Austin’s Career Overview
Tavon Austin is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. A dynamic and explosive player, Austin was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays in both the passing game and the return game.
College Career and Draft Selection
Austin played college football at West Virginia University, where he was a standout player. He was a consensus All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver in 2012. He was also a prolific return specialist, setting an NCAA record for most career all-purpose yards. His exceptional college performance led to him being selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.
NFL Career Timeline
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2016): Austin’s NFL career began with the St. Louis Rams, where he was drafted to be a dynamic offensive weapon. He had his most productive season in 2014, recording 57 catches for 523 yards and four touchdowns. However, he struggled to consistently make a significant impact, hampered by injuries and inconsistent playing time.
- Los Angeles Rams (2017): The Rams moved to Los Angeles in 2016, and Austin continued to play for them in 2017. However, his role diminished further, and he was released by the team in the middle of the season.
- Dallas Cowboys (2017): After being released by the Rams, Austin signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in seven games for the Cowboys, contributing primarily as a return specialist.
- San Francisco 49ers (2018): Austin joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2018 but was released after just one game.
- Buffalo Bills (2018): Later that year, Austin signed with the Buffalo Bills. He played in five games for the Bills, mostly as a return specialist.
Tavon Austin’s Versatility
Austin was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions throughout his career. He primarily played as a wide receiver, but he also saw time as a running back and a return specialist. His speed and agility allowed him to be a threat in both the passing and running game. Austin’s versatility made him a valuable asset to any team, as he could be utilized in various ways to create offensive opportunities.
Analyzing Tavon Austin’s Receiving Statistics
Tavon Austin’s career was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly in the receiving game. While his overall production was inconsistent, he showcased the potential to be a dynamic offensive weapon. To better understand Austin’s receiving impact, it’s crucial to examine his statistics across different seasons and teams.
Tavon Austin’s Receiving Statistics
This table provides a season-by-season breakdown of Tavon Austin’s receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions.
| Year | Team | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | 40 | 418 | 4 |
| 2014 | St. Louis Rams | 52 | 573 | 4 |
| 2015 | St. Louis Rams | 58 | 473 | 1 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 50 | 451 | 3 |
| 2017 | Los Angeles Rams | 25 | 285 | 1 |
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 13 | 166 | 0 |
| 2019 | Dallas Cowboys | 11 | 101 | 1 |
| 2020 | Miami Dolphins | 1 | 10 | 0 |
Tavon Austin’s Receiving Production Across Teams
Tavon Austin’s receiving production varied significantly across his time with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins.
- St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams: Austin’s most productive years were with the Rams. He averaged over 500 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in his first four seasons. His ability to create big plays and stretch the field was a valuable asset for the Rams’ offense.
- Dallas Cowboys: After being traded to the Cowboys in 2018, Austin’s role diminished. He struggled to find consistent playing time and his receiving numbers dropped considerably.
- Miami Dolphins: Austin’s brief stint with the Dolphins in 2020 was marred by injuries and limited playing time. He only recorded one reception for 10 yards.
Tavon Austin’s Most Successful Receiving Seasons, Tavon austin nfl stats
Tavon Austin had a few seasons where he showcased significant receiving success.
- 2013: Austin’s rookie season was a promising one. He caught 40 passes for 418 yards and 4 touchdowns, displaying his speed and agility. He also had a 91-yard punt return touchdown, demonstrating his versatility.
- 2014: Austin built upon his rookie success in 2014, increasing his receiving yards and touchdowns. He continued to be a threat in the return game as well.
- 2016: Although his overall production declined in 2016, Austin still managed to score 3 touchdowns and record over 450 receiving yards. He had a breakout game against the Carolina Panthers, catching 8 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Tavon Austin’s Impact as a Return Specialist: Tavon Austin Nfl Stats
Tavon Austin’s impact on the field extended beyond his offensive contributions. He was a dynamic and dangerous return specialist, capable of turning a routine kickoff or punt into a game-changing play. His explosiveness and elusiveness made him a constant threat to opposing special teams.
Austin’s Career Return Statistics
Austin’s career statistics as a return specialist highlight his consistent ability to generate explosive plays. He returned 181 punts for 1,654 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 9.1 yards per return. In kick returns, he amassed 1,452 yards on 65 returns, averaging 22.3 yards per return.
Notable Returns
Austin’s career was punctuated by several notable returns. In 2013, he returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. This was one of the longest punt return touchdowns in Rams history. In 2015, he returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. This was the longest kickoff return in Rams history and tied for the second-longest in NFL history.
Impact on Special Teams
Austin’s ability to create explosive plays on special teams was a significant asset to his teams. His presence on the field forced opposing teams to kick away from him, creating opportunities for his teammates. His returns also provided valuable field position for his offense, giving them a better chance to score.
Explosive Playmaker
Austin’s speed and agility made him a nightmare for opposing special teams. He possessed the ability to make defenders miss and break tackles, turning short returns into long gains. His big-play potential made him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Tavon austin nfl stats – Tavon Austin’s NFL stats tell a story of a player with electrifying speed and agility, a player who could change the game in an instant. To truly understand the impact of his talent, you need to see it in action.
Check out this compilation of his highlights , and you’ll understand why he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. While his career might not have reached the heights many predicted, his stats still reflect a player who left his mark on the NFL.
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a whirlwind of electrifying speed and frustrating inconsistency. He burst onto the scene as a dynamic playmaker, leaving defenders in his dust with his blazing speed. But despite his undeniable talent, Austin struggled to consistently translate his athleticism into consistent production.
You can find a detailed breakdown of his career stats and highlights here , which offer a glimpse into the enigmatic player he was.