Mason haning up the pads. - 07/13/09 10:52 PM
Mason announces retirement from NFLComment Email Print Share By John Clayton
ESPN.com
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Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason announced his retirement Monday on the Web site JOCKlife.com, saying he'd "seen it all and done it all."
Mason
Mason was entering the final year of his contract and was scheduled to make $3 million. He had been trying to get a long-term deal from the team during the offseason, but a deal never materialized.
"I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams," Mason said on JOCKlife.com. "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.
Fantasy Spin
Derrick Mason's decision to retire could make Mark Clayton (right) a viable No. 3 fantasy receiver and also makes Demetrius Williams an interesting sleeper for the 2009 season. Blog
ESPN.com's revised receiving projections for Ravens:
Mark Clayton: 73 catches, 961 yards, 3 TDs
Demetrius Williams: 50 catches, 840 yards, 2 TDs
L.J. Smith: 47 catches, 405 yards, 2 TDs
Todd Heap: 16 catches, 181 yards, 2 TDs
• Walker: Ravens left with void
"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."
However, Ravens senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne said, "For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this. Derrick Mason has not done that."
Mason's retirement is a big blow to the Ravens. Demetrius Williams now would have to move into the starting lineup with Mark Clayton. The Ravens have to replace the loss of an 80-catch, 1,037-yard receiver with Mason's retirement. The Ravens also lose a lot of leadership.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
This is decent news, the ravens just lost a key weapon on offense.
ESPN.com
Archive
Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason announced his retirement Monday on the Web site JOCKlife.com, saying he'd "seen it all and done it all."
Mason
Mason was entering the final year of his contract and was scheduled to make $3 million. He had been trying to get a long-term deal from the team during the offseason, but a deal never materialized.
"I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams," Mason said on JOCKlife.com. "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.
Fantasy Spin
Derrick Mason's decision to retire could make Mark Clayton (right) a viable No. 3 fantasy receiver and also makes Demetrius Williams an interesting sleeper for the 2009 season. Blog
ESPN.com's revised receiving projections for Ravens:
Mark Clayton: 73 catches, 961 yards, 3 TDs
Demetrius Williams: 50 catches, 840 yards, 2 TDs
L.J. Smith: 47 catches, 405 yards, 2 TDs
Todd Heap: 16 catches, 181 yards, 2 TDs
• Walker: Ravens left with void
"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."
However, Ravens senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne said, "For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this. Derrick Mason has not done that."
Mason's retirement is a big blow to the Ravens. Demetrius Williams now would have to move into the starting lineup with Mark Clayton. The Ravens have to replace the loss of an 80-catch, 1,037-yard receiver with Mason's retirement. The Ravens also lose a lot of leadership.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
This is decent news, the ravens just lost a key weapon on offense.