From Blue and White to the Blue and Silver

Monmouth’s Austin makes Dallas Cowboys’ roster

When the Dallas Cowboys take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the 2006 National Football League season on Sept. 10, a familiar face to Monmouth University football fans will be wearing No. 14 with a star on his helmet.

Miles Austin, who played four seasons for the Hawks, has made the Cowboys’ 53-man NFL roster after successfully competing in training camp and preseason action. The announcement was made on Saturday when NFL clubs were required to reduce their roster to 53.

“The football program at Monmouth obviously helped me out a lot,” said Austin. “We worked hard every day and the work ethic there helped prepare me for the NFL.”

After a senior season hampered by a recurring leg injury, Austin hoped that his record-breaking career at Monmouth and private workout sessions with several teams would impress scouts enough for his name to be called at the NFL draft in April.

Unfortunately for the Garfield native, none of the 32 franchises selected him.

Soon after the conclusion of the seven-round selection, two-day draft, Austin received a phone call from the Cowboys among other teams and became only the second player from Monmouth to be signed to an NFL contract.

“I received phone calls from quite a few teams,” said Austin. “What interested me the most from Dallas was when Coach Bill (Parcells), a Jersey guy, told me I would get a fair shot and an opportunity to earn my keep.”

And he has done just that – earned his keep.

After mini-camp practices and team workouts during the off-season, Austin then headed to Oxnard, Calif., with the team for training camp.

The wide receiver also gained national recognition while competing in a preseason contest vs. the New Orleans Saints on ESPN on Aug. 21. Austin took advantage of his playing time and recorded a 48-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Tony Romo to help pace Dallas to a 30-7 victory.

“It was the greatest feeling ever,” said Austin of his 48-yard TD reception.

Austin also showed his talent on special teams by tallying two tackles in kick coverage.

A three-time first-team All-Northeast Conference selection, Austin holds Hawk career records for receptions (150), receiving yards (2,867), touchdown receptions (31), touchdowns (36) and points (216).

– Dominick Rinelli Jr.