Derrick James Mason (born January 17, 1974 in
Detroit, Michigan) is an American football wide
receiver plays for the Baltimore Ravens and went to
Michigan State.
Mason started his career with the Oilers/Titans
after being drafted in the 4th round (98th pick
overall) in the 1997 NFL Draft. He has averaged
around 86 receptions, 1150 yards and a bit more than
7 touchdowns over the last 4 years. He ranked 2nd in
the NFL in receptions in 2004 (with 96) and 5th in
receiving yards in the 2003 NFL season (with 1,303
yards).
In addition to his receiving duties, Mason has been
frequently used as a kickoff returner and punt
returner. In the 1999 season, Mason gained 1,030
yards returning punts and kickoffs, assisting the
Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV where he returned 5
kickoffs for 122 yards and caught 2 passes for 18
yards in Tennessee's 23-16 loss. He also returned a
kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown in the Titans 33-14
win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC title
game. In the 2000 season, he led the NFL in punt
return yards (662) while also catching 63 passes for
895 yards and returning 41 kickoffs for 1,132 yards
(an NFL leading 27 yards per return average), giving
him 2,659 combined receiving and special teams
yards, an NFL record for highest total of
all-purpose yards in a single season. Mason is a
four time back-to-back Pro Bowler.
