Austin Seferian-Jenkins

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Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Life, Career, and Challenges

: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (born September 29, 1992) is an American former NFL tight end known for his size, talent, and off-field struggles. Explore his college success, pro career, highs & lows, and legacy.

Introduction

Austin Edward Seferian-Jenkins (born September 29, 1992) is an American former professional football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He showed strong promise in college, was drafted in the second round in 2014, and played for several NFL teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His professional career, however, was marred by injuries and off-field issues.

Early Life & High School

Seferian-Jenkins was born in Fox Island, Washington. Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor, WA, where he starred as a football player. 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He was rated as a four-star recruit and among the top tight end prospects in his class.

College Career at Washington

From 2011 to 2013, Seferian-Jenkins played for the Washington Huskies.

• As a freshman (2011), he started 10 of 13 games, recording 41 receptions for 538 yards and 6 touchdowns.

• In 2012, he elevated his performance: 69 receptions for 852 yards and 7 touchdowns.

• By the end of his career at Washington, he had set school records for tight ends in receptions (110), receiving yards (1,390), and touchdowns (13).

• In 2013, he won the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.

• After the 2013 season, he declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing remaining college eligibility.

NFL Career

Draft & Early Seasons

Seferian-Jenkins was selected in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 6 ft 5 in and weighed about 262 lbs during his playing career.

In his rookie season (2014):

• He played in 9 games, starting all 9.

• He posted 21 receptions, 221 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns.

In 2015, with new quarterback Jameis Winston, he started strong:

• In the season opener, he had 5 receptions for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns, marking a career day.

• His total 2015 stats: 21 receptions, 338 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

Later Years, Team Changes & Decline

• In 2016, his time with the Buccaneers dwindled; he appeared in only 2 games for Tampa Bay before being waived.

• He was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 26, 2016.

• In 2017 with the Jets:

  • He was suspended for the first two games for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

  • He played 13 games (starting 10), totaling 50 receptions, 357 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

• In 2018, Seferian-Jenkins signed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

  • He appeared in 5 games before being placed on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury.

  • His 2018 stats: 11 receptions, 90 yards, 1 touchdown.

  • Jacksonville declined to exercise his contract option, making him a free agent.

• In 2019, he signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots (April 10).

  • However, he was released on June 4, 2019, citing personal issues.

Career Totals & Legacy

• Over his NFL career, Seferian-Jenkins appeared in 43 games, starting 29 of them.

• He recorded 116 receptions for 1,160 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.

• He averaged about 10.0 yards per reception.

While his early potential and size suggested a bright career, injuries and off-field issues prevented full realization of that potential.

Off-Field Issues & Personal Challenges

Seferian-Jenkins faced several legal and personal difficulties that impacted his NFL trajectory:

• In March 2013, while at Washington, he was cited for driving under the influence (DUI). He pleaded guilty and served a day in jail; the team suspended him for one game.

• On September 23, 2016, he was arrested on a DUI charge. That same day, the Buccaneers released him.

• In May 2017, he publicly acknowledged struggles with alcohol and said that he had sought outpatient rehab treatment.

• In March 2020, he was arrested again for DUI.

• On January 31, 2022, he was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, felony harassment, and interfering with reporting of domestic violence.

These off-field troubles, combined with injuries, hindered his ability to sustain performance and remain on rosters.

Personality, Strengths & Shortcomings

Strengths & Attributes

• Seferian-Jenkins possessed prototypical size and athleticism for a tight end (6′5″, 262 lbs).

• His college performance showed reliability, pass-catching ability, and big-play potential.

• He demonstrated resilience by moving between teams and attempting comebacks despite setbacks.

Weaknesses & Challenges

• Injuries (especially in 2018) curtailed opportunities for consistency.

• Behavioral issues, particularly multiple DUIs, created distractions and undermined trust from teams.

• The volatility of roster cuts and suspensions made it difficult for him to find stability in the league.

Lessons & Reflection

1. Talent must be paired with discipline
   Even elite physical traits can’t fully compensate for inconsistency or personal missteps.

2. Health & injury management matter
   A promising athletic trajectory can falter if durability is not maintained.

3. Accountability & support systems
   Public acknowledgment of struggles and seeking help are critical, but structural support is equally important.

4. Career volatility in professional sports
   The margin for error is small; athletes must manage performance, conduct, and health simultaneously.