Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, 35, abruptly announced his plans to retire from the NFL, releasing a statement late this afternoon.
The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver had his labrum and scapula surgically repaired during the offseason, but this isn’t believed to be an injury-related decision.
“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun,” Mason told Jocklife.com. “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. 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 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.”
Mason had lobbied the Ravens for a contract extension after last season. Team officials had indicated that they were amenable to that request, but nothing was imminent.
“This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation,” Mason said. “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.”
Last season, Mason battled the shoulder injury and still caught 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns. For his career, he caught 790 passes for 10,061 yards and 52 touchdowns.
With Mason retiring, the Ravens will likely have to go with Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams as their top wide receivers.
The Ravens explored a trade for Anquan Boldin during the offseason, but ultimately passed due to high trade compensation demands as well as Boldin’s asking price.
They were linked to Brandon Marshall, but never seriously got involved in a bid for the Denver Broncos’ trouble-prone wideout.