Kevin Austin Jr. Bio
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). Standing 6 feet 2 inches and listed at 200 pounds, he wears jersey number 81 and is listed as active on the Saints roster. He previously spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL).
Early Life and Background
Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. was born on March 30, 2000, in Poughkeepsie, New York, and grew up in the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida. He initially attended Western High School in Davie, Florida, before transferring to North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek after his freshman year. The move gave him a stronger platform to showcase his skills as a receiver and a rusher.
At North Broward Preparatory, Austin blossomed into a four-star recruit. As a junior, he caught 41 passes for 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also adding 454 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 46 carries. In his senior season, he recorded 35 receptions for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns, drawing scholarship offers from Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida before committing to Notre Dame.
Path to the NFL
Austin enrolled at Notre Dame in 2018 and played in 11 games as a freshman, posting 90 receiving yards. His development was interrupted during his sophomore year, when he was suspended for the entire season for undisclosed reasons. He returned for his junior season but suffered a fractured foot in preseason training camp and re-injured it in practice shortly after, limiting him to one reception for 18 yards.
As a senior, Austin finally had a full season as a starter and delivered his most productive college campaign, catching 48 passes for 888 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was recognized as a Phil Steele First-team All-Independent selection in 2021. Following Notre Dame’s loss in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State, Austin declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
Kevin Austin Jr. Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On January 23, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with Jacksonville to remain in the organization.
During the 2023 preseason, Austin caught his first professional pass against the Detroit Lions in the Jaguars’ second preseason game on August 19. He was waived by the Jaguars on August 29, ending his first NFL stint.
Birmingham Stallions (2024)
On January 19, 2024, Austin signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, looking for consistent playing time. The Stallions rewarded his contributions by winning the 2024 UFL championship. After the season, his contract was terminated on July 21 to allow him to pursue another NFL opportunity.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–Present)
Austin signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on July 22, 2024. He was released during roster cuts on August 27 and signed with the Saints’ practice squad the next day. On December 7, 2024, he was promoted to the active roster, giving him his first regular-season action in the NFL.
In 2025, Austin was waived during final roster cuts on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 20, waived two days later, and re-signed to the practice squad on September 24. On November 19, he returned to the active roster, was waived on December 2, signed back to the practice squad two days later, and was promoted again on December 18. In Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, Austin scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Shough.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. plays with the size and length of a perimeter receiver, using his 6-foot-2 frame to attack the ball in the air. He is at his best on intermediate and downfield routes where he can stack defensive backs, and his college production suggests a strong vertical element. He has shown the toughness to play through injuries and the patience to handle practice-squad promotions and demotions while waiting for his chance.
Notable Events and Milestones
Austin’s signature moment came in Week 17 of the 2025 season, when he caught his first NFL touchdown from Tyler Shough against the Tennessee Titans. He also earned a 2024 UFL championship with the Birmingham Stallions and was a 2021 Phil Steele First-team All-Independent selection during his senior year at Notre Dame.
Kevin Austin Jr. Career Wins
Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. is a 2024 UFL champion with the Birmingham Stallions, his most significant team title to date. His individual NFL production through the 2025 season includes 24 receptions, 291 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown.
Professional Highlights
His first professional reception came in preseason action with the Jacksonville Jaguars in August 2023, and his first NFL regular-season touchdown arrived in Week 17 of 2025 with the New Orleans Saints. He was a member of the Birmingham Stallions roster that won the 2024 UFL championship.
Other Awards & Performances
Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. earned Phil Steele First-team All-Independent honors in 2021 after his senior season at Notre Dame, where he recorded 48 catches for 888 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Kevin Austin Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. was raised in the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida, where he attended Western High School before transferring to North Broward Preparatory School. The “Jr.” suffix in his name indicates that he shares his name with his father, though further family details are not publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Austin is an American national born in Poughkeepsie, New York, who built his football career in Florida and the Midwest. Public information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transitions for Kevin Douglas Austin Jr. with the New Orleans Saints, moving between the active roster and the practice squad multiple times. He was waived on August 26, re-signed to the practice squad a day later, promoted on September 20, waived two days later, and brought back to the practice squad on September 24.
On November 19, Austin returned to the active roster, was waived again on December 2, and re-signed to the practice squad two days later. He was promoted back to the active roster on December 18, giving him another opportunity to contribute down the stretch.
His highlight of the year came in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, when he caught his first career touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Tyler Shough. With his rookie contract window closing, Austin’s late-season momentum offers a foundation to compete for a more stable role in 2026.