Aveion Cason


Aveion Marquel Cason is a former American football running back and kick returner in the National Football League for the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the Florida Tuskers in the United Football League. He played college football at Illinois State University.

Early years

Cason attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a junior, he rushed for 980 yards and averaged nearly 38.0-yards per kickoff return. He did not play football during his senior year after transferring to a different school.

College career

Cason accepted a football scholarship from Illinois State University. As a freshman in 1998, he posted 124 carries for 728 yards and 8 touchdowns, while making 23 receptions for 230 yards. As a sophomore in 1999, he had 378 carries for 45 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, 34 receptions for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with a 28.1-yard average on kickoff returns, ranking him seventh in NCAA Division I-AA.
As a junior in 2000, he was suspended for the season after being ruled academically ineligible. The next year he declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season.

Professional career

St. Louis Rams (first stint)

Cason was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Rams after the 2001 NFL Draft and was moved to wide receiver. He returned 4 kickoffs for 73 yards in the season opener. He was waived on September 26 and signed to the practice squad. He was released on October 1.

Kansas City Chiefs

On October 3, 2003, he was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.

Detroit Lions (first stint)

On November 19, 2001, he was signed by the Detroit Lions from the Chiefs' practice squad. He played in five games and rushed for 31 yards.
In 2002, he rushed 26 times for 107 yards, had 19 receptions for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns, while returning 2 kicks with an average of 24.0 yards. On April 27, 2003, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice.

Dallas Cowboys

In 2003, he reunited with Maurice Carthon who was his offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. He played in 10 games before injuring his knee in a practice on December 3 and being placed on the injured reserve list on December 9. He had career highs of 40 carries for 220 yards, 17 receptions for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns, returning 5 kickoffs for an average of 16.2-yards. His most notable play was a 63-yard touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons. He was released on August 31, 2004.

Arizona Cardinals

On September 1, 2004, he was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. He was released on September 5.

St. Louis Rams (second stint)

In December 2004, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams to provide depth while Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson were limited with bruised knees. He played mostly as a kick returner, making 14 returns for a 22.1-yard average. In 2005, Cason rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown. He was not re-signed after the season.

Detroit lions (second stint)

On November 9, 2006, he was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions. Due to an injury to Kevin Jones, he started his first game in a loss vs the Chicago Bears and rushed for 31 yards on five carries. He was declared inactive in 2 games.
On March 7, 2007, he was signed to a one-year contract. He was released on September 1. He was re-signed on September 12. Cason was on the active roster as their kick returner on special teams, in place of Eddie Drummond, who had left for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released on September 25. He was re-signed on October 4. He was cut on October 21. He was re-signed on October 24.
On March 5, 2008, he was signed to a one-year contract. He was placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury on August 30. He returned later in the season to appear in 7 games and was mainly used to return kickoffs. On March 9, 2009, he re-signed with the Lions. He was released on September 4.

Florida Tuskers (UFL)

In September 2010, he signed with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was a backup running back, tallying 37 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown.

Personal life

In 2015, Trinity Christian School – Cedar Hill in Cedar Hill, Texas. His team won the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Division II state title with a 12–1 record. Cason resigned.