Austin Bryant

Austin Bryant (born November 12, 1996) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers.

Early life Bryant attended Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia. He committed to Clemson University to play college football.

College career As a true freshman at Clemson in 2015, Bryant played in 13 games, recording 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He missed the first six games of his sophomore season in 2016, due to a foot injury. He returned from the injury and recorded 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Bryant became a starter for the first time his junior year in 2017.

Professional career

Detroit Lions Bryant was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2019. He was designated for return on October 30, 2019, and began practicing with the team again. He was activated on November 20, 2019.

Bryant was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list (PUP) at the start of training camp on August 2, 2020. He was placed on reserve/PUP on September 5, 2020. He was activated on November 7, 2020.

San Francisco 49ers (first stint) On March 23, 2023, Bryant signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on September 8, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad. Bryant was released on November 15.

Minnesota Vikings On November 21, 2023, Bryant was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract and became a free agent at the end of the season.

San Francisco 49ers (second stint) On January 16, 2024, Bryant was signed to the 49ers' practice squad. He re-signed on February 14, 2024. He was placed on injured reserve on August 9, then released a week later.