The 34-year-old receiver has not played since 2021, though he remained a topic of interest over the past two years. Despite workouts in October 2022 and September of the previous year, no agreements were reached. As the 2024 season approaches, Austin is shifting his focus to life after football.
In his retirement announcement, he shared, “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 retiring from the NFL. Football didn’t always love me back, but it will always be my first love! I will forever cherish the time I spent in the NFL. Just like my seasons, they come to an end, and it’s time for me to enter my next chapter in life.”
Austin entered the NFL with high expectations as the No. 8 overall pick of the Rams. His most productive year as a receiver was in 2016, with 509 yards and three touchdowns. Although his offensive contributions fell short of expectations, he made a significant impact as a return specialist, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2013.
The West Virginia alum accumulated over 1,009 all-purpose yards in three of his first four seasons and scored a punt return touchdown each year from 2013 to 2015. After being traded to the Cowboys before the 2018 season, he did not secure a regular offensive role, and his stint with the Jaguars in 2021 was similarly unremarkable.
Austin joined the Bills in the summer of 2022 but did not make the final roster. He spent a short period on the practice squad before being released in October. Since then, he has not signed with any team, bringing his NFL career to a close. Austin leaves the league having played 118 combined regular and postseason games, with approximately $41 million in career earnings.
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