Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a roller coaster ride filled with electrifying plays and frustrating inconsistencies. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he initially wowed fans with his speed, agility, and versatility. However, his production often fell short of expectations, leading to a series of team changes and a gradual decline in playing time. Despite his career trajectory, Austin’s impact on the league and his unique skill set left an indelible mark on the game.
Offensive Production, Tavon austin career earnings
Austin’s offensive production was a mixed bag throughout his career. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, his consistency often wavered. He primarily served as a slot receiver and a gadget player, utilizing his speed and agility to create explosive plays. Here’s a breakdown of his offensive statistics:
- Receptions: Austin recorded 287 receptions for 2,918 yards and 17 touchdowns in his eight seasons. While these numbers are respectable, they don’t reflect the high expectations placed on him due to his draft position.
- Average Yards Per Reception: Austin averaged 10.1 yards per reception, showcasing his ability to gain significant yardage on each catch. This statistic highlights his explosiveness and ability to make big plays.
- Touchdowns: His 17 touchdowns demonstrate his ability to find the end zone, but it was a lower number than anticipated for a player with his speed and agility.
Return Specialist
Austin’s most significant impact on the NFL came as a return specialist. He was renowned for his dynamic returns, consistently threatening to break free for touchdowns. Here’s a closer look at his return game:
- Kickoff Returns: Austin returned 134 kickoffs for 3,172 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage on kickoff returns made him a constant threat on special teams.
- Punt Returns: Austin returned 104 punts for 824 yards and one touchdown. His speed and agility made him a dangerous punt returner, capable of turning short punts into big gains.
- Notable Returns: Austin’s most memorable return came in 2013 when he returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. This play showcased his electrifying speed and ability to make defenders miss.
Tavon Austin’s Contract Details: Tavon Austin Career Earnings
Tavon Austin’s contract history provides insights into how his market value evolved throughout his NFL career. It also highlights the financial impact of his performances and the expectations placed upon him by different teams.
Tavon Austin’s Most Significant Contracts
Tavon Austin’s most significant contracts showcase his early promise and the financial investment made in his potential. These contracts demonstrate the evolving perception of his role and value within the league.
- St. Louis Rams (2013): Austin’s rookie contract with the Rams was a four-year deal worth $10.6 million, with a signing bonus of $6.3 million. This substantial signing bonus reflected the Rams’ belief in his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
- St. Louis Rams (2017): After his rookie contract expired, Austin signed a four-year contract extension with the Rams worth $42 million, with $25 million guaranteed. This significant increase in salary reflected his continued production and the Rams’ commitment to him as a core player.
- Dallas Cowboys (2018): Austin was traded to the Cowboys in 2018, signing a one-year contract worth $5 million, with a $3 million signing bonus. This contract was a short-term deal aimed at seeing if Austin could revitalize his career in a new environment.
- San Francisco 49ers (2019): Austin signed a one-year contract with the 49ers worth $1.25 million. This contract was a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Austin to prove his worth after a disappointing stint with the Cowboys.
Impact of Tavon Austin’s Contracts on His Career
Tavon Austin’s contracts played a significant role in shaping his career trajectory. The initial large investment by the Rams instilled a sense of expectation, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to consistently meet those high expectations. The contract extensions reflected the Rams’ belief in his potential, but his inability to fully capitalize on his opportunities led to a decline in his market value. His later contracts with the Cowboys and 49ers were smaller, reflecting his diminished status as a top-tier player.
The contracts he signed, while substantial, did not translate into consistent success, ultimately leading to a shorter-than-expected career in the NFL.
Tavon austin career earnings – Tavon Austin’s career earnings reflect a journey that started with electrifying performances at West Virginia University. His time with the Mountaineers, showcased in tavon austin college highlights , helped solidify his reputation as a game-changer, ultimately leading to a successful NFL career and lucrative contracts.
Tavon Austin’s career earnings reflect a journey filled with both promise and disappointment. He was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, a testament to his electrifying speed and agility, as you can read about in this article on tavon austin draft pick.
Despite the high draft position, Austin’s career never quite reached its potential, resulting in a relatively modest overall earning compared to other top picks.
