As a Titans fan, Derrick Mason will always be pretty appreciated, but at the same time he really did rub many fans, including myself, the wrong way when he left to play for the Titans arch rival Baltimore Ravens.
Even so, nobody can take away the memories he made as a Titan. Also, nobody can deny the fact that he was a really great talent as a pro wide receiver, and even return man. To this day Mason is regarded as possibly the best Titans receiver ever, not necessarily the best in franchise history. Although current standout wide receiver for the Titans A.J. Brown is quickly gaining on Mason in that regard.
Derrick Mason was drafted in the fourth round, number ninety-eight overall, by the Tennessee Oilers in 1997. He was used primarily as a return man during his first three seasons as a pro and he was really good at it. But in 2000, Mason proved he can do more than just return kicks and punts. You can read the back of his card to get an idea of what happened that year! Once Mason had that initial breakout season, he seized his opportunity and never looked back.
All of my personal feelings aside, which aren't all that negative to begin with, Derrick Mason had an awesome NFL career that I believe is pretty massively underrated. I really believe his career numbers and accomplishments would surprise a lot of people. Mason was a versatile and consistent weapon for most of his fifteen NFL seasons!
Derrick Mason's Lowkey Fantastic Career Stats and Accomplishments:
- 17,150 All-Purpose Yards - 19th All-Time in NFL HISTORY!
- 12,061 Receiving Yards - 28th All-Time in NFL HISTORY!
- 3,496 Kick Return Yards
- 1,590 Punt Return Yards
- 3 Rushing Yards
- 69 Total Touchdowns
- 66 Receiving TDs
- 2 Punt Return TDs
- 1 Kick Return TD
- 943 Receptions - 19th All-Time in NFL HISTORY!
- 8x 1,000 Receiving Yard Seasons - 2001-2005, 2007-2009
- ONLY Player in NFL History with 10,000 Receiving Yards + 5,000 Return Yards Src
- 8.7 Yards Per Punt Return - 182 Punt Returns
- 22.4 Yards Per Kick Return - 156 Kick Returns
- 1x First-Team All-Pro
- 2x Pro Bowls
- 1 Super Bowl Appearance
- 230 Games Played
Hall of Fame Worthy? I think so!
Mason is often overlooked because he didn't play in the biggest markets ever, but I mean these numbers are overall pretty ridiculous.
Back when the Titans rocked Puma!
This card captures Mason's first nice season. The first of MANY!
What do you think of Derrick Mason's career? Any of his numbers impress and/or surprise you?
Think he'll be in the HOF one day?