Derrick Mason Announces Retirement

Posted Jul 13, 2009 5:50PM By Chris Burke (RSS feed)

Filed Under: Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens' need for wide receiver help just became much more dire, as veteran Derrick Mason unexpectedly and abruptly announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.

Mason's retirement is still unofficial, Ravens senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne told BaltimoreRavens.com, saying that Mason has yet to file the necessary paperwork with the NFL. (A few hours after his announcement, Mason told ESPNews he was 99-percent sure he would retire, so this may not be over yet).

A 13-year veteran of the NFL, Mason played much of the 2008 season with a painful shoulder injury, one that required offseason surgery, and was still struggling to recover during Baltimore's workouts in early June. At the time, Mason indicated that he may not be ready for the start of training camp.

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Prior to that, though, Mason lobbied hard for a contract extension -- he was about to enter the final year of a four-year, $20 million deal -- which seemed to provide a strong indication that he planned to play into 2009 and beyond.

The rather startling announcement Monday came via a release on Jocklife.com, a Web site reportedly owned by Mason's agents.

"I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I've had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all," Mason stated. "Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer."

"I have been thinking about this since the season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out...it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It's time right now. I don't know what's going to happen from here, but it's going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard...played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help."

Mason had been one of those especially hard-hit by the recent death of Steve McNair. The two were longtime friends and spent several years on the field together, both in Tennessee and Baltimore. While Mason did not specifically mention McNair's death as a factor in his decision, he did tell Jocklife that he wants to spend more time with his family.

This comes as a substantial blow to Baltimore's current offense. The Ravens will, for now, be forced to bump Demetrius Williams and his injury issues into the starting lineup, opposite Mark Clayton.

Even if he's healthy, Williams may have a hard time matching the 80 catches and 1,037 yards that Mason put up last season -- despite his shoulder problem.

Mason's departure no doubt cranks up the heat on Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome to add another receiver. The Ravens had previously been mentioned in discussions concerning disgruntled Denver star Brandon Marshall, as well as Arizona's Anquan Boldin. Money was a hurdle in Baltimore's alleged pursuit of Boldin -- Mason's $3 million 2009 contract likely does not free up enough money to overcome that roadblock, but it certainly opens a window for a move on Marshall.

Latest NFL Images

The photograph of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair decorates the top of his casket at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. McNair was buried before a couple hundred of his friends and family. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

James "Bus" Cook, right, hugs a friend following the burial of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair in Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Cook was a friend and agent of McNair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

James "Bus" Cook, friend and agent of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, wipes away tears following the burial ceremony of McNair at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Lucille McNair, mother of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair waits for the burial of her son at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Fans take photographs of themselves with a jersey wreath honoring former NFL quarterback Steve McNair at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. A couple hundred of his friends and family attended the burial. Several thousand people attended the funeral service at the University of Southern Mississippi earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

A hearse carrying former NFL quarterback Steve McNair approaches Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009, where he was laid to rest. A couple hundred of his friends and family attended the burial. Several thousand people attended the funeral service at the University of Southern Mississippi earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Pall bearers carry casket bearing former NFL quarterback Steve McNair through Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. A couple hundred of his friends and family attended the afternoon burial. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Fans of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, take photos of the player's burial vault at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. The vault had a photograph of McNair etched on the top. A couple hundred of his friends and family attended the burial. Several thousand people also attended the funeral service at the University of Southern Mississippi earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

A standing room only crowd of friends and family filled the tents near the vault bearing the casket of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, forcing other mourners to stand outside the fence at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Prohibited from taking photos during the burial ceremony of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, these attendees waited until the ceremony was over before video recording images of the of the player's burial vault at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. The vault had a photograph of McNair etched on the top. A couple hundred of his friends and family attended the burial. Several thousand people also attended the funeral service at the University of Southern Mississippi earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-13-2009 @ 7:04PM

Adam said...

Now they'll look close at Plax, Harrison or other available FA WRs.

7-14-2009 @ 8:34AM

Hugh said...

Agreed, Adam. They may also take a shot at T.O. when he wears out his welcome in Buffalo, which shouldn't take long...

7-14-2009 @ 12:55PM

HONEYROY said...

T.O. will retire in Buffalo!

7-14-2009 @ 10:28AM

pizza523 said...

Congrats on your decision Derrick. I enjoy seeing these men go out on their terms and healthy. They may get paid well but what a beating their bodies take..

7-14-2009 @ 3:18PM

papajames828 said...

This really puts the heat on the Ravens management. We all questioned their inability to bring in a proven veteran (i.e. Bolden, Marshall, etc.). Now, it's a question whether or not a strong offensive line will be enough to fend off the rush when there is no one open to throw to down field. This puts alot of pressure on Joe Flacco to go with the running game and not to use his golden arm to go vertical. It's going to be a long season similar to 2007. The Ravens are facing a tougher division this year with the return of Palmer (Cinn.) and Quinn (Cleve.), as well as facing their nemesis (Pitt.) 2 or 3 times in 2009 on the road to the AFC Championship again. Please, Ozzie, break the bank and go with Bolden.

7-14-2009 @ 3:26PM

Derrick Mason was nothing short of a class act his whole career. He has gifted hand and a toughness similar to that of his dear friend and retired teammate Steve McNair (RIP). Any given Sunday, you could count on him getting open on third and long. If he decides to go through with the retirement, then he will be dearly missed in Baltimore and throughout the NFL. I hope to see him in the Hall of Fame someday!