Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin may not have retired from the sport on his terms; however, he has done enough to make his daughter proud of him. Austin recently showed the highlights of his career to his daughter, Avya, for the first time, and the reaction from his little girl was pure gold.
Tavon Austin’s Daughter Gives Wholesome Reaction When Watching Father’s Highlights
ML Football shared a video of Austin showing the highlights of his career to his daughter Avya for the first time. When the little girl realizes she’s watching her father on tape, she bursts into smiles, and so does Austin, who’s often seen posting his daughter on social media but not her mother.
While Austin momentarily seemed to be fighting off the tears, Avya recognized his fast running from his playing days and said with absolute joy:
“Daddy’s really fast.”
HEARTWARMING: CFB legend Tavon Austin showed his young daughter his highlight tape for the first time and the moment she recognized it was her “daddy.”
🥹🥹🥹
So special.
pic.twitter.com/rTdI3NsbCh— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 1, 2025
Austin was indeed fast, running a 4.34s 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine. He was picked eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams and signed a four-year, $12.751 million rookie contract. He proved his first-round selection in the first year in the league, accumulating 151 rushing yards with nine carries, 418 receiving yards, 68 return yards, and 51 combined return opportunities during kick and punt returns.
Following his impressive rookie season, Austin ranked third in the league for punt return yards (391) in 2014, but his career-best season came the following year. He posted career highs in receptions (52), receiving yards (473) and receiving touchdowns (five).
However, after the St. Louis team permanently moved to LA, Austin’s fortunes changed, and he failed to return a punt for a touchdown for the first time since he was drafted. His struggles continued in the 2017 season, and the 34-year-old never really bounced back before retiring last year.
Austin moved to the Dallas Cowboys following his departure from the Rams and then to the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. He was with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, which was the final year Austin would play in the NFL. He posted 24 receptions for 213 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
While Austin had planned to continue his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, he was released from their practice squad by October and announced an emotional retirement before the start of the 2024 season.
“No matter how hard you work or how badly you want something, sometimes God has other plans,” he began.
“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 officially retiring from the NFL,” Austin added before thanking God, his teammates and coaches.
“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!”