Pat McAfee congratulates fellow West Virginia alum Tavon Austin on his career

There are few highlight tapes in college football history that are quite as electrifying as former West Virginia wideout Tavon Austin. He was one of the greatest to ever do it at his position in the college ranks. His senior year highlight tape at WVU has been viewed on YouTube–24 million times. And on Wednesday, another West Virginia alum, Pat McAfee, decided to honor Austin’s greatness, since he decided to hang his cleats up on Tuesday. He congratulated him on a spectacular career and took some time to honor the former WVU legend.

Tavon Austin retired yesterday

He was UNBELIEVABLE on the football field#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/HfYT4B0j5e

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 14, 2024

Retirement from the National Football League

Tavon Austin will officially retire from the NFL after a nine-year career, he announced Tuesday via his Instagram account. The receiver had last played in the 2021 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, appearing in 13 games that season.

Austin was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Rams and played five seasons with the team. He also had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. He ends his pro career with 244 catches for 2,239 yards and 16 touchdowns.

“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 have ever made. But after an incredible 10 years, I’m 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 decision-making affects you. Football created in me a mindset of relentless pursuit and hard work ethic. 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.”

Tavon Austin rewrote the record books at WVU

During his college football days with West Virginia, Austin cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Mountaineer lore. He finished with 3,413 total receiving yards and 29 touchdown catches. His 3,413 receiving yards rank him first in school history, just ahead of another WVU legend, Stedman Bailey. Austin also hauled in 112 catches in 2012, tying him for first place in school history for the most catches in a single season (Stedman Bailey–2012). Austin also hauled in 101 catches in 2011–that ranks fourth in school history. His 29 career touchdowns in college ranks him third in WVU football history–just behind Stedman Bailey (41) and David Sills V (35).

Austin racked up an extensive number of accolades during his prolific college career, including the Paul Hornung Award (2012), two-time first team All-American honors (2011 and 2012), Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year (2012), and Big East Special Teams Player of the Year (2011).

There’s no question he left a legacy that will forever be tough to match in Morgantown. And he’ll forever be remembered as one of the greatest ever to come through the school.

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.