Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason – Baltimore Ravens, Wide Receiver
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195 lbs.
College: Michigan State
Hometown: Detroit, MI
- Two-time Pro Bowl Selection
- Became the 31st player in NFL history with 10,000 receiving yards
- Holds the NFL record for most all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,659 yards (2000)
- Holds the NFL record for most kick return yards in a single postseason with 437 yards (1999)
- First player in Baltimore Ravens history with 100 receptions in a season
- On November 22, 2010, became the 13th receiver in NFL history with 900 career receptions
Born January 17, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan; it is very fitting that Derrick Mason would chose to attend Michigan State for his college football career. In college, Mason would have an electrifying career setting a team record for kickoff return yards (2,384). Mason would take his skills to the NFL in 1997 when he was drafted in the 4th round, 98th overall pick, by the Tennessee Oilers (Titans).
Derrick would go on to have an eight year career with Tennessee, including one Super Bowl trip where he had five kickoff returns for 122 yards. In the same year, he would set the NFL record for most kick return yards in a single postseason with 437 yards. In 2000, Derrick was selected to his first Pro Bowl after setting an NFL record for most all-purpose yards in a single season (2,658 yards). He would again be selected to the Pro Bowl in 2003 after having a phenomenal season in which he would record 1,303 receiving yards on 95 receptions which was 5th in the NFL.
In 2005 Mason was signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Ravens where he currently plays. His Ravens career was highlighted in 2007 by being the first Raven in team history to have more than 100 receptions in a single season (103). Derrick was named an alternate receiver in 2008 for the Pro Bowl after posting 80 receptions for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns; helping his rookie quarterback Joe Flacco shine.
The two-time Pro Bowler is not just about making catches and scoring touchdowns, he is also about giving back to those in need. Along with his wife Marci, Derrick set up The Derrick Mason Foundation whose mission is to provide at-risk children and families in both the Nashville and Baltimore areas with opportunities to pursue their dreams. Notably, in 2008, the foundation donated $25,000 to Rebuilding Together Baltimore, a non-profit organization that repairs homes and revitalizes communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Annually, Derrick’s foundation hosts the Holiday Helpers event in December, and provides gift certificates and a unique shopping experience for Baltimore youth in need.
Derrick and his wife Marci have two children, a daughter named Bailee My-Lin and a son named Derrick James II.
More about Derrick’s charities:
The Derrick Mason Foundation:
The Derrick Mason Foundation was established to provide at-risk children and families in both the Nashville and Baltimore areas with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The foundation provides and supports interactive programs and events that directly benefit children who face serious challenges in their lives, such as mental and/or physical challenges or the environment in which they live.
Rebuilding Together Baltimore:
Rebuilding Together Baltimore, formerly Christmas in April Baltimore, is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, volunteer organization dedicated to helping low-income homeowners, through home renovation and repair. Our goal is to keep people living in warmth, safety, and independence, while helping to build better communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland.
