Austen Pleasants, an American football guard for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL, has navigated a dynamic career path, having been associated with six different teams since his debut as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Despite the vicissitudes inherent in professional football, he has demonstrated resilience and showcased his versatility and reliability as a lineman.
Born on August 22, 1997, in Ironton, Ohio, Austen Pleasants is the son of Michael Wilburn and Jennifer Vanderhoof-Pleasants. He attended Dawson-Bryant High School in Coal Grove, Ohio, where he excelled as a four-year letterman in football, basketball, and track and field.
CAPTION: Austen-Pleasants has a networth of $500,000Image Source: Instagram Notably, he earned recognition for his performance as an offensive lineman and defensive tackle, receiving a 2-star recruit rating. After considering offers from the University of Akron and the University of Toledo, he opted for a football scholarship at Ohio University.
During his tenure at Ohio University, Pleasants redshirted his first year but went on to play 28 games with 20 starts, earning Second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2019.
Despite going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Pleasants embarked on his professional career by signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. Throughout his rookie season, he primarily contributed to the practice squad, encountering a setback when placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list in October 2020, and ultimately being released from the squad in October 2021.
Subsequently, Pleasants joined the Carolina Panthers practice squad, where he earned a promotion to the active roster in November 2021. His NFL debut came during the Week 12 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Although he signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers in January 2022, he was waived in August 2022.
The journey continued as Pleasants signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in November 2022, later securing a reserve/future contract with them in January 2023.
Despite being waived by the Chargers in August 2023, he persisted, re-signing with their practice squad and subsequently being released in September 2023.
In September 2023, Pleasants found a new opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, eventually earning elevation to the active roster in October 2023. His second NFL appearance occurred during the Week 7 triumph over the Houston Texans.
Austen-Pleasants was signed to the Arizona CardinalsHowever, he was waived by the Cardinals in November 2023, later rejoining their practice squad and subsequently being released in December 2023.
The journey came full circle when Pleasants re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in December 2023, only to be released in January 2024. Presently, he has returned to the Arizona Cardinals, where he remains on the active roster.
Throughout his professional journey, Austen Pleasants has encountered numerous setbacks, including being waived and subsequently signed to practice squads by several NFL teams, namely the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals.
These challenges, marked by the fluctuating nature of his roster status and team affiliations, have tested his resilience and determination.
Despite the uncertainties and disappointments inherent in such experiences, Pleasants remains steadfast in his pursuit of his ultimate goal: to establish himself as a valued player in the National Football League.
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Austen Pleasants, the eldest of two brothers, is a family man who is married with two children. He resides with his wife and children in the Ironton, Ohio area, where he also grew up. The couple has been married for more than five years as of now and frequently shares photos of them being together on their social media handles.
Austen-Pleasants with his new born childImage Source: Instagram Austen parents, Michael Wilburn and Jennifer Vanderhoof-Pleasants have been a supportive presence throughout his life and football career.
During his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, Austen Pleasants demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy by actively participating in a charitable effort organized by the team.
Specifically, he joined the Chargers in their mobilization for Maui wildfire relief, highlighting his willingness to contribute to meaningful causes beyond the football field.
Pleasants' involvement underscores his compassion and sense of social responsibility, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact within the community both on and off the field.
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