History of Tavon Austin in Timeline
Tavon Austin is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at West Virginia, earning All-American honors twice, before being drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
1965: Comparison to Gale Sayers
Austin's performance in 1965 drew comparisons to Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears, who achieved a similar feat.
March 15, 1990: Birth of Tavon Austin
Tavon Wesley Austin was born on March 15, 1990.
2004: Playoff Appearance with the Rams
Despite Austin's reduced role, the Rams reached the playoffs in 2017 for the first time since 2004.
2009: High School Track and Field Achievements
In 2009, Tavon Austin achieved a career-best time of 11.47 seconds in the 100 meters at the 1A North Region Meet.
2009: Freshman Year at West Virginia University
Tavon Austin began playing for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team in 2009, primarily as a wide receiver.
2010: Sophomore Season at West Virginia
During his sophomore season in 2010, Austin excelled, recording 58 receptions for 787 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns.
2011: Junior Season at West Virginia
In 2011, Austin had a standout junior season with 100 receptions for 1,180 yards and eight touchdowns.
2012: Senior Season at West Virginia and Career-High Performance
During his senior year in 2012, Austin achieved a career-high 572 all-purpose yards against the Oklahoma Sooners, showcasing his versatility on the field.
2012: Completion of College Football Career
In 2012, Tavon Austin finished his college football career with the West Virginia Mountaineers.
2012: Record-Breaking Orange Bowl Performance
In the 2012 Orange Bowl, Austin set a record with four touchdown receptions, contributing to the Mountaineers' 70-33 victory.
June 13, 2013: Signing with the St. Louis Rams
On June 13, 2013, Austin officially joined the St. Louis Rams by signing a four-year rookie contract.
2013: Drafted by the St. Louis Rams
In 2013, Tavon Austin was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the NFL draft.
2013: Comparison to 2013 Season
In comparison to his 2013 season, Austin's receiving yards decreased to 242 from 418.
2013: NFL Draft and Reunion with Stedman Bailey
The Rams drafted Austin's West Virginia teammate Stedman Bailey in the third round, reuniting the duo in the NFL.
2014: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Austin's exceptional performance in Week 14 of the 2014 season earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
2014: Pro Bowl Alternate and Return Specialist
In 2014, Austin's receiving yards decreased, but he excelled as a returner, ranking third in the NFL with 391 punt return yards.
2015: Career-Best Season and Historic Achievement
Austin had his best season in 2015, achieving career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
May 12, 2016: Contract Extension with the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams exercised Austin's fifth-year option on May 12, 2016, securing his services for another season.
August 27, 2016: Four-Year Contract Extension
Austin secured a four-year contract extension with the Rams on August 27, 2016.
2016: Career Highs and Lows
Austin tied his career-high for fumbles with five in 2016, while also setting a new career-high in lost fumbles with four.
2017: Limited Production and Lack of Touchdowns
Austin's production remained limited in 2017, marking his second consecutive year without a receiving touchdown or a return score.
2017: Last Touchdown Before Cowboys
This entry notes that Tavon Austin scored his first touchdown for the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, which was his first since 2017. This suggests he had a touchdown in 2017 while playing for a different team.
2017: Reduced Role and Statistical Decline
Under new coach Sean McVay in 2017, Austin saw a reduced role and a decline in his statistics.
March 15, 2018: Contract Restructure and Incentives
On March 15, 2018, Austin agreed to a restructured contract with the Rams, voiding the final three years while securing guaranteed payments and incentives.
April 28, 2018: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys
On April 28, 2018, Tavon Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The trade was meant to fill the slot receiver position previously held by Cole Beasley.
2018: First Season Without a Rushing Touchdown
In 2018, Tavon Austin did not score a rushing touchdown for the first time in his career. Despite this, he recorded his highest average yards per carry since his rookie season. This was also the first year he didn't return any kickoffs, but his punt returning improved. Notably, Austin didn't fumble the ball throughout the season.
March 14, 2019: Re-signs with the Dallas Cowboys
On March 14, 2019, Tavon Austin re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite this, the addition of Randall Cobb as a slot receiver meant Austin's role in the team's offense became less defined.
August 15, 2020: Signs with the San Francisco 49ers
Tavon Austin signed with the San Francisco 49ers on August 15, 2020.
September 3, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve
Tavon Austin was placed on injured reserve on September 3, 2020, shortly after signing with the San Francisco 49ers.
December 1, 2020: Signs with the Green Bay Packers
Tavon Austin signed with the Green Bay Packers on December 1, 2020, reuniting with head coach Matt LaFleur, who had been his offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams.
August 6, 2021: Signs with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Tavon Austin signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 6, 2021.
September 2, 2021: Placed on Injured Reserve (Jaguars)
Tavon Austin was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2021, by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
June 2, 2022: Signs with the Buffalo Bills
On June 2, 2022, Tavon Austin signed with the Buffalo Bills.