Throughout Tennessee Titans franchise history, there have only been a few Wide Receivers that have truly set themselves apart from the rest. Some young folks may mention Kenny Britt or Nate Washington. For others, it’s Drew Bennett or Kevin Dyson that comes to mind quickly. A.J. Brown may join the conversation in the next few years as well. For now though, Derrick Mason has to be the cream of the crop when it comes to all-time great Titans receivers.
A.J. Brown is the #Titans first WR to be selected to a Pro Bowl since Derrick Mason in 2003 (Marc Mariani also made it in 2010, but that was as a return man). https://t.co/0QzQBB05Ic
— Mike Herndon (@MikeMiracles) December 22, 2020
Mason had his best, most consistent seasons in his time in Tennessee. Although, he was still impressive in his mid-30s for the Baltimore Ravens after his stint with the Titans, too. His role with Tennessee began as just a returner on special teams. It blossomed into a whole lot more after the first couple of seasons.
He wasn’t the prototypical size, and he wasn’t a highly-touted draft pick. He wasn’t expected to become a top receiver for a team, either. None of that mattered, though.
The newest modern-era nominees for the @ProFootballHOF (who played for the #Titans) include:
– Steve McNair
– Eddie George (@EddieGeorge2727)
– Derrick Mason (@deemason85)
– Gary Anderson pic.twitter.com/xmvCIYJS5E— Tennessee Tyrant (@TitanUpTalk) September 16, 2020
Mason developed into one of the best route-runners in the NFL and became a safety net for Quarterback Steve McNair. That combo was special for years, and Titans fans could not get enough of it.
From a receiving production standpoint, the Michigan State product actually came onto the scene in the NFL rather slowly. He played in 45 games in his first three years, but only started two of them on offense. The turn of the century in 2000 was the turn of Mason’s career at wideout.
From 2000-2004, the Titans WR racked up 5800 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns. It was a stretch that, honestly, no one had ever done in a Titans uniform before. Mason was also dynamic on special teams, especially in 2000. During that regular season, he logged 662 punt return yards (13 yards per return) and 1132 kick return yards (27 yards per return).
Most receiving yards in NFL, 2000-09:
1. Torry Holt 12,594
2. Randy Moss 11,739
3. Terrell Owens 11,644
4. DERRICK MASON 10,481
5. Marvin Harrison 10,439@deemason85 is unequivocally one of the most underrated WRs of the modern era. pic.twitter.com/Po2U1MgXOl— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) April 7, 2021
Mason is the leader in career receiving yards in Titans franchise history. He is sixth among pass-catchers in Oilers/Titans history in career receiving yards.
Even though it is well documented that Running Back has been a more talent-rich position for Tennessee over the years, Mason has set himself apart from the rest of the Wide Receivers that have dawned the two-tone blue.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
