Kevin Austin Jr.

Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. (born March 30, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life

Austin grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He initially attended Western High School in Davie, Florida before transferring to North Broward Preparatory School after his freshman year. Austin caught 41 passes for 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns and had 454 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 46 carries in his junior season. He had 35 receptions for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. Austin was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at Notre Dame over offers from Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida.

College career

Austin played in 11 games as a freshman and caught 90 yards. He was suspended for his entire sophomore season for undisclosed reasons. Austin missed most of his junior season after suffering a fractured foot in preseason training camp and reinjuring it in practice two games into his return. He had one reception for 18 yards in a limited window of good health. As a senior, he had his first full season as a starter. He caught 48 passes for 888 yards and 7 touchdowns. He would declare for the 2022 NFL draft after the loss in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

Austin was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract with Jacksonville on January 23, 2023. On August 19, Austin caught his first professional pass against the Detroit Lions in the Jaguars' second preseason game. He was waived by the Jaguars on August 29.

Birmingham Stallions

On January 19, 2024, Austin signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). His contract with the Stallions was terminated on July 21, to allow him to sign with an NFL team.

New Orleans Saints

Austin signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on July 22, 2024. He was released by the Saints during roster cuts on August 27, and signed with the team's practice squad the next day. On December 7, Austin was promoted to the active roster.

On August 26, 2025, Austin was waived by the Saints as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 20, but waived two days later. On September 24, Austin was re-signed to the practice squad. On November 19, he was signed to the active roster. Austin was waived on December 2 and re-signed to the practice squad two days later. He was promoted back to the active roster on December 18. In Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, Austin scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Tyler Shough.

Career statistics

Career statistics

Professional

College

External links