Derrick Mason Retiring From NFL, Plans to Pursue Broadcasting Career

by Ricky Doyle on Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 9:51PM

Derrick Mason has long been one of the NFL's more underrated players. Now, he'll be walking away from the game before many got a chance to appreciate his talent.

The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver told Scout.com that he's going to retire after 15 seasons.

"I'm done," Mason reportedly said. "I won't be playing football. I only knew one play to play football, going all-out and having fun out there."

Mason played eight seasons with the Titans and six seasons with the Ravens before joining Rex Ryan's Jets last offseason. The 37-year-old wideout was eventually traded to the Houston Texans, who then cut him toward the end of the regular season.

Mason, who earned Pro Bowl selections in 2000 and 2003, ranks 11th on the NFL's career receptions list (943), 19th on the career receiving yards list (12,061) and 14th on the career all-purpose yards list (17,150). The one glaring omission from his resume is a Super Bowl ring.

The Michigan State product could find a way to still be around the game of football in the near future, though, as he told Scout.com that he'd like to pursue a broadcasting career.