Austin Larkin

Austin Blake Larkin (born April 6, 1995) is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at Purdue University, and played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.

Early years
Larkin attended Dougherty Valley High School, where played as a middle linebacker, tight end and fullback.

College career
Larkin began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Notre Dame. As a freshman in 2014, he appeared in a single game during the season as a linebacker, but did not record any stats.

He enrolled at the City College of San Francisco for the 2015 season where he was switched to defensive end. As a sophomore, he recorded 38 tackles (17 for loss) and 7 sacks. He contributed to the team winning the 2015 California Community College Athletic Association campionship and finishing the season with a 12–1 record. Just hours after finishing a game, Larkin got on a red-eye flight to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Purdue University head coach, Darrell Hazell offered him a scholarship and he accepted.

As a junior in 2016, he appeared in 10 games with 6 starts. He tallied 18 tackles (3.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks.

Dallas Cowboys
Larkin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2018 NFL Draft on May 11. He was waived on September 1, 2018.

San Antonio Commanders (AAF)
In September 2018, Larkin signed with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football. He played with the team until the league folded in April 2019.

Atlanta Falcons
On May 29, 2019, Larkin was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived on August 31, 2019, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 23, 2019, but was waived three days later and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted back to the active roster on December 17, 2019. He was waived on August 4, 2020. He appeared in 2 games, playing 26 snaps on special teams and 10 on defense.

Carolina Panthers
Larkin had a tryout with the Tennessee Titans on August 22, 2020. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers on August 28, 2020. He was waived on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 17.

On August 8, 2021, Larkin was waived/injured and placed on injured reserve. He was released on August 17. He was re-signed to the Panthers practice squad on October 27. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 10, 2022.

On August 30, 2022, Larkin was waived by the Panthers and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was released on October 18.

Personal
Larkin is the nephew of former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Barry Larkin.