Austin McCormick

Austin McCormick

No. 83 – New Orleans Second Lines
ISFL Hall of Famer
Position:	Tight End
Personal information
Born:	(2010-11-09)November 9, 2010 (aged 50) Tellico Plains, Tennessee, United States
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	265 lb (120 kg)
Username:	Nokazoa
Career information
High school:	Tellico Plains High School
College:	Tennessee
ISFL Draft:	2034 (S19) / Round: 1 / Pick: 3
DSFL Draft:	2033 (S18) / Round: 2 / Pick: 12
Career history
San Antonio Marshals
Roster status:	Retired

Austin McCormick (born November 9, 2008) is an American football Tight End for the New Orleans Second Line of the National Simulation Football League (NSFL). He played college football for University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) and has declared his intention to enter the professional ranks next season.

Early years

Born in the backwoods of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, Austin McCormick was the son of a local football star, Terry "Bull" McCormick. Austin speaks about how his father made sure all of his children held a deep appreciation for the sport. However, it came in a way his father probably didn’t expect. Suffering from a back injury while hiking in his early adult years, Austin's father was unable to pursue a career in sports. This led him to put unwanted pressure on his children to "achieve his dream" as Austin puts it. Football to them, while it did put them in their dad’s spotlight, allowed the boys to encounter good role models and an escape from their father. Nevertheless, it was not easy. This all culminated when, during the state finals, Austin had refused to land a "dirty" hit on a player in retaliation to a previous tackle. Bull McCormick was recorded storming the field midgame and verbally berating Austin. In the many video accounts found online, the Bull, then realizing he was being filmed, attempted to take his son away from the prying eyes of the stadium. When Austin refused to leave the field, his father smacked him across the face. This led to Austin, now filling into his 6'5" frame, to beat down his father on the fifty-yard line. Afterwards, Austin and his sibling moved in with their grandparents on his mother's side. Austin finished out his high school career and received an athletic scholarship to UTK.

Personal Life

Austin McCormick relocated to New Orleans from San Antonio in a transition he calls "pretty seamless, if you don't mind it being humid as all get out." He can be seen participating in many town events with fellow teammates. Most natably is Mardi Gras where Austin can be seen tweeting out for fellow NOLA player Mason Blaylock, who earned five beads over that night. McCormick had also taken a part-time job at John Curtic Christian Academy as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. Many have called this move, "questionable," but the NSFL Head Office have no official rules against this. McCormick says his work with the kids really helps him connect with the fans at large. "Seeing the passions these kids have for the game really brings it home you know. Really reminds me of myself."

College career

A Tennessee native, McCormick describes his time in Knoxville as a dream come true. Not starting until his sophmore year, McCormick became a fan favorite after his famous touchdown fingertip catch against the Florida Gators in the final seconds of the game. During his four years there, McCormick had 108 catches for 1,041 yards, won two John Mackey National Tight End of the Week, and was recorded as a viable blocker on the line.

College career statistics

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TDs
2029	Tennessee	5	10	78	2
2030	Tennessee	13	15	135	3
2031	Tennessee	10	36	380	8
2032	Tennessee	10	47	448	8

Professional career

DSFL career

Declaring for the 2034 DSFL Draft (S19), McCormick was claimed from waivers by the Portland Pythons in 2033 (S18). Following a defeat by the Tijuana Luchadors in the Ultimini, McCormick entered into the DSFL draft. There, he went on to be drafted in the second round, as the twelfth pick, by the San Antonio Marshals. Under their program, McCormick switched his emphasis from balanced to a vertical threat.

Austin McCormick played one full season with the San Antonio Marshals as the starting TE. In his time there he was awarded two game balls in Weeks 6 and 14. Austin McCormick functioned in a more short yard receiver role, typically used to move the chains. Austin would again return to the Ultimini with the 6-8 Marshals where they would defeat their conference rivals, the Tijuana Luchadores, before being stopped by the Portland Pythons led by Jay Cue.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad	BP	Wonderlic
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	265 lb (120 kg)	4.34 s	4.24 s	7.58 s	27.5 in (0.70 m)	10 ft 1 in (3.07 m)	28 reps	24
Fastest 40yd Dash by any TE

NSFL career

Following his heartbreaking 2034 (S19) season with the Marshals, Austin McCormick looked forward to the NSFL draft. Austin had made a name for himself as a top earner in his class and was looked at by many teams as a projected first rounder. Austin ended up drafted third overall in the 2034 (S19) Draft to the New Orleans Second Line. When hearing the news, Austin reportedly said, "That's great to hear."

New Orleans had recently traded their former TE due to disagreements over player management, and Austin was picked to take over a starter role for the team. Austin, again, filled a similar role that he saw with the San Antonio Marshals, now re-branded to the Minnesota Grey Ducks. Austin was reported to have become well adjusted to the new team, though he failed to earn much red zone success till later in the season. The New Orleans Second Line would go on to lose in the ASFC Conference Championship to the Orange County Otters.

In McCormick's sophomore season, he saw extended use on the field. Slotting into WR in certain formations, McCormick doubled his previous yardage and tripled his touchdowns for the year. Still sitting on a run-first offense, McCormick took steps to increase his usefulness for the team. He started doing more reps with the Offensive Line to help with his run blocking, and still worked on his endurance training when he could. This culminated win McCormick running in the "Humana Rock 'n Roll Marathon" in New Orleans. New Orlean's season overall would be described as a let down by most of the team. Finishing 7-6, the New Orleans Second Line were able to beat out the Orange County Otters, but were stopped by the soon-to-be Ultimus Champions, the Austin Copperheads.

In his third year, Austin McCormick became one of the Secondline's top receiving players on his team and finished third on the team for receiving yards. Still sitting on a run-first offense, there were rumors that McCormick was interested in testing FA as his rookie contract was expiring that year. Whether the rumors were true, McCormick resigned to NOLA for three years on a 6/3/3 contract. Speculation was Austin resigned only due to the expansion of the NSFL, but, again, no one has confirmed such rumors. McCormick's performance was admirable, and he received game balls in week 1, 6, and 9 of the regular season. NOLA also experienced "all the pieces coming together." Going on an undefeated streak for most of the season, NOLA finished with a 9-4 record with an impressive ground and pound game coupled with their trademark defensive wall. Entering the playoffs, McCormick said he was a tad optimistic of the upcoming playoffs. "Some of us won't be sticking around come the expansion draft. Other teams know we are just too good. If this ain't our year, with all of our pieces online, then I don't think we will get another chance." A bold statement, it seemed to be an accurate assessment. NOLA went on to win the Ultimus Bowl XXI over the Yellowstone Wraiths; however, most agree that the real Ultimus ended in the ASFC Conference Championship against OCO. For the expansion draft, McCormick found himself protected by Second Line, and many of his teammates were drafted to the newly formed Honolulu and Sarasota teams. Austin McCormick was nominated as TE of the year for the season but lost to Jammerson Irving. Austin also secured a spot in the Probowl Second Team.

Austin McCormick seemingly vanished from the public eye during his fourth and fifth year. Still accomplishing big feats, a shake up in awards forced Austin McCormick to operate in a more exclusive TE role. This saw a loss in overall production. During his media hiatus, Austin began to fall off from personal training. However, he still maintained his physical ability and on-field play. New Orleans' management has expressed that McCormick needs to get back on the saddle to stay competitive into his later seasons, but they have no plans to cut the star Tight-End. Austin had no comment on the situation, expressing that they needed to focus on the upcoming playoffs. In recent personal tweets, McCormick publicly apologized to Second Line fans for "dropping the ball" on his own training. He was seeking help with personal issues and hoped this would become a new chapter in his life. However, even his critics agree, that Austin still maintained a high level of play during this lull period, securing two TEoty awards and continuing his Pro-Bowl streak with four consecutive appearance. Once again, Austin McCormick was protected in expansion. When asked about his thoughts, McCormcik replied "Well, I really don't like either team's branding, and I am not keen on going to a rebuilding squad. Or at least a new organization. NOLA has treated me right, and I wouldn't want to leave them for sticking with me." During the last few years with NOLA, the team has struggled to maintain any playoff success, much to Austin's chagrin. "It is what it is, but I know we got more in us."

Following mixed success during the final years of his career, Austin opted to end his career. "It's time for this boy to go back to the pantry." NOLA honored the veteran Tight End by retiring his number.

DSFL Regular Season Statistics

Season	Team	Yards	AVG. Yards	Long	Touchdowns	Pancakes	Sacks Allowed
2032 (S17)	Portland Pythons	0	0	0	0	5	1
2033 (S18)	San Antonio Marshals	523	8.9	23	2	26	1

NSFL career statistics

Season	Team	Yards	AVG. Yards	Long	Touchdowns	Pancakes	Sacks Allowed
2034 (S19)	New Orleans Second Line	301	9.4	25	1	9	0
2035 (S20)	New Orleans Second Line	604	8.9	28	3	22	0
2036 (S21)	New Orleans Second Line	679	10.8	46	6	16	0
2037 (S22)	New Orleans Second Line	906	13.3	45	5	21	0
2038 (S23)	New Orleans Second Line	692	10.5	32	8	29	0
2039 (S24)	New Orleans Second Line	716	10.2	32	5	29	0

Achievements and records

x4 Pro Bowl - s21,s22,s23,s24

x2 TEOTY - s22, s23

x4 TEoty Nominations - s21,s22,s23,s24

x1 Ultimus

Images

Autographed Rookie Card

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Austin McCormick "Legendary Performers" Card

Austin McCormick DSFL Rookie Card