Derrick Mason is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He was born on January 17, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Michigan State University, where he played college football for the Spartans.
Mason was selected by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played for the Oilers/Titans franchise for eight seasons, from 1997 to 2004. During his time with the team, he established himself as one of the most reliable and consistent wide receivers in the league. He was a two-time Pro Bowler (2000, 2003) and was named to the All-Pro team in 2000.
In 2005, Mason signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. He played for the Ravens for six seasons, from 2005 to 2010. He continued to be a productive receiver, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in four of his six seasons with the team. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2007.
After leaving the Ravens, Mason played for two more teams in his final season in the NFL. He signed with the New York Jets in August 2011 but was released after just five games. He then signed with the Houston Texans in October 2011 but played in only seven games before announcing his retirement from the NFL in January 2012.
Throughout his career, Mason was known for his toughness, durability, and consistency. He played in 230 regular-season games, catching 943 passes for 12,061 yards and 66 touchdowns. He also returned 252 kickoffs for 5,798 yards and two touchdowns.
Off the field, Mason was involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Derrick Mason Foundation, which he founded in 2001 to help underprivileged children in the Nashville area. He was also a regular contributor to ESPN and other media outlets, providing analysis and commentary on NFL games and players.
In conclusion, Derrick Mason had a long and successful career as an NFL wide receiver, playing for four different teams over 15 seasons. He was a consistent and reliable performer throughout his career, earning two Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod. He was also known for his toughness and durability, playing in 230 regular-season games. Off the field, he was involved in various charitable endeavors and was a respected analyst and commentator in the media.
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