Tavon Austin has been out of football for three years now, but he was never officially retired until now.The former NFL wide receiver and return specialist made the formal announcement Tuesday, posting on his Instagram that he is retiring from football."No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans," Austin wrote in his Instagram caption. "I wasnt sure if I was ready to give up football, and it has been one of the most challenging decisions Ive ever made. But after an incredible ten years, Im officially retiring from the NFL."Football gave me more than a career. It gave me some lifelong friendships and molded so much of my character. It taught me how vital choices are and how Dakota Joshua Jersey decision-making affects you. Football created in me a mindset of relentle s pursuit and hard work ethic! Football didnt always love me back, but it will always be my first love! I will forever cherish the time I spent in the NFL. It has indeed been a privilege."Just like seasons, they come to an end, and its time for me to enter my next chapter in life."Austin last suited up in the NFL in 2021, playing in seven games for the Jaguars. Acro s his Daniel Sprong Jersey career, he spent time with the Rams, Cowboys, Packers and Jaguars.While his time in the NFL was notable, Austin's most impre sive highlight reel undoubtedly comes from his college days at West Virginia. With the Mountaineers, the wide receiver/returner electrified the gridiron, putting together one show-stopping play after another.Here is more to know about Austin's career in college and in the NFL.MORE: | Tavon Austin college statsAustin attended the University of West Virginia for four seasons, playing for the Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012.During his time in college, he received two First-Team All-American selections (2011 and 2012), twice was named a first-team selection for the conference (2011 and 2012) and also won Special Team Player of the Year for the conference both seasons. His outstanding versatility made him much-watch television, even though West Virginia's best finish during his time was an Orange Bowl win in 2012.Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats Henrik Sedin Jersey on offense in the pa sing and rushing game.YearSchoolGamesReceptionsRec. YardsRec. TDsAttemptsRush yardsRush TDs2009West Virginia1315151164712010West Virginia135878781616112011West Virginia131011,18681618212012West Virginia131141,28912726433Total522883,415291101.0336Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats as a return man.YearSchoolGamesPunt returnsPR yardsPR TDsKick returnsKR yardsKR TDs2009West Virginia1301742612010West Virginia1301223002011West Virginia131926803693822012West Virginia13151651328131Total52344331252,4074Tavon Austin college highlightsIn honor of Tavon Austin retiringThe greatest highlight video in football history Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) MORE PRESEASON: | Tavon Austin NFL statsAustin was drafted No. 8 overall by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. While he may never have quite lived up to his draft placement, he still enjoyed a succe sful career.Over the course of nine seasons, Austin ama sed 2,239 receiving yards on 244 catches and 16 touchdowns. He was a versatile option, repeatedly taking handoffs and using his speed on the ground game, Linus Karlsson Jersey as well as being used as a punt returner.Below is a look at Austin Todd Bertuzzi Jersey 's year-by-year stats on offense in the pa sing and rushing game.YearTeamGamesTargetsReceptionsRec. YardsRec. TDsAttemptsRush yardsRush TDs2013Rams1369404184915112014Rams15443124203622422015Rams16875247355243442016Rams151065850932815912017Rams1622134705927012018Cowboys7138140265502019Cowboys142413177164712020Packers45420002021Jaguars13372421313210Total1134072442,2393254510Below is a look at Austin's year-by-year stats as a return man.YearTeamGamesPunt returnsPR yardsPR TDsKick returnsKR yardsKR TDs2013Rams133328011839802014Rams1535391121902015Rams1634263131602016Rams154433601502017Rams161253011302018Cowboys71058002019Cowboys141784002020Packers4314002021Jaguars132300Total1131901,4833254510NEW NFL RULE EXPLAINERS: | | Tavon Austin NFL highlightsTavon Austin career earningsOver the course of his career, Austin accumulated about $40 million in earnings in the NFL. His biggest pay day came when he signed a four-year, $42 million contract with the Rams, including $28.5 million in guaranteed money.Here is a breakdown of how much he made as an NFL player.YearTeamEarnings2013Rams$8,058,4562014Rams$984,5912015Rams$1,605,8352016Rams$5,897,8842017Rams$14,977,1162018Cowboys$5,875,0002019Cowboys$1,707,6032020Packers$519,7782021Jaguars$990,000Total$40,616,263