Derrick Mason News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

October 14

Houston Chronicle

"Derrick Mason says he has "come full circle." Why? Because once Derrick's helmet had a derrick on it. Once, he was an Oiler. OK, not a Houston Oiler, but he played his first two seasons as a Tennessee Oiler before Bud Adams' peripatetic franchise cut its final ties to the town it called home for 37 years, changing both the name and uniform design. Wearing No. 82 - the number he has reclaimed as a Texan after 13 seasons spent as No. 85 - Mason was a rookie receiver/special-teamer for the Oilers cum Titans in 1997, the first autumn since 1959 that Houston was forced to amuse itself without pro football."

Disgruntled WR Mason sent to Texans in trade

October 12

New York Post

"The Jets addressed their combustible chemistry by getting rid of one of the ingredients last night. The team reached an agreement in principle to trade wide receiver Derrick Mason to the Texans for a conditional seventh-round draft pick, according to two league sources. The move comes two days after Mason sat on the bench for most of the Jets' 30-21 loss to the Patriots. Sources said the Jets were upset with Mason's failure to learn the playbook and have decided to go with rookie Jeremy Kerley as the No. 3 receiver. A source said Mason had been flying home to Nashville every Monday and Tuesday with the team's permission, but that contributed to his difficulty learning the offense."

Texans trade for Jets receiver Derrick Mason

October 12

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans have acquired veteran receiver Derrick Mason from the New York Jets for a conditional 2012 draft choice. Mason, 37, is playing in his 15th season. A roster spot will have to be cleared before he can officially join the team. Playing in his first season with the Jets after spending eight with Tennessee and the last six with Baltimore, Mason fell out of favor with coach Rex Ryan after complaining about his playing time and the offense, according to media reports. The Texans, who play at Baltimore on Sunday, were in the market for a receiver because Andre Johnson is recovering from a hamstring injury that could keep him out of another game or two and Kevin Walter (five catches, 81"

NY Jets wide receiver Derrick Mason pulls disappearing act in loss to AFC East rival Patriots

October 10

New York Daily News

"For the majority of yesterday's 30-21 loss to the Patriots, the odd man out in the Jets' three-receiver sets was veteran Derrick Mason. The Daily News reported yesterday that Mason, along with fellow receivers Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes, had complained to Rex Ryan about coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. After the game, Mason denied meeting with Ryan and denied that his benching was related to any comments he made. "It was coincidence," Mason said of his benching."

Jets WR Derrick Mason 'at peace' with his release from Ravens

September 29

Newark Star-Ledger

"Derrick Mason admitted the return this Sunday to Baltimore, where he played six seasons, will be a little "bittersweet." But the Jets receiver also said he didn't have the date circled on his calendar because he accepted the business decision the team made. "Obviously they didn't need my services any longer," Mason, 37, said. "I think I was at peace with it, because I knew deep down in my heart that I gave them all I had. The way I played, no one can question whether I gave 100 percent or not. So when I left that building, I was OK, because I knew leaving that building, I still had a lot of football in me. They had a decision to make, and they made it. Luckily Rex wanted me, and I was more"

Mark Sanchez promised Plaxico Burress, Derrick Mason he'd get them involved

September 15

Newark Star-Ledger

"During Sunday's game, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was worried that Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason felt distant from the game plan. "(Santonio Holmes) and Dustin (Keller) got a bunch of catches early, and (LaDainian Tomlinson) and Plaxico and Mason were kind of sitting there like 'Man, you brought us in here,' there's all this stuff going on and they're gamers and competitors and they're like, 'Man.'" So Sanchez felt the need to go over and say something. "I made it a point to go over and say 'Hang with me man. Hang with me, I'll get you the rock don't worry. Just keep running the routes, stay sharp, trust me I will throw you the ball and it will happen.'"

Jets' Flight Crew of Holmes, Burress, Mason poised to improve aerial attack

September 7

New York Daily News

"To cornerbacks covering Jets wideout Santonio Holmes, the toughest thing to detect is the direction he will go next. "Most guys have a tip that gives it away," Jets safety Eric Smith says. "His body is like a poker face. Then boom, he's gone." The subtle ways of Holmes have always allowed him to slip through opposing secondaries, but now he has an additional level of protection. In joining forces with Plaxico Burress, a deer-legged deep threat, and Derrick Mason, a creative receiver operating out of the slot, Holmes maintains that he will be able to go undetected for longer periods of time during his routes. It will be up to quarterback Mark Sanchez and offensive coordinator Brian"

Mason sky high over offense's potential, teaming up with Ryan

August 26

New York Post

"Derrick Mason has lofty expectations for the Jets' offense this season. The veteran wide receiver signed with the team earlier this month because he saw the potential of the offense with himself, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress all lining up together. What he's seen in training camp and the preseason has just lifted those expectations. Mason was asked this week how good this offense can be. "As good as we allow ourselves to be,'' he said. "If we can go out there and make defenses pay for certain coverages they play and make sure we are all on the same page every play -- not nine out of 10 plays, but on every play -- I think we are just as capable as anyone else at scoring 30 points.''"

Brunell, Mason injured

August 20

New York Post

"The Jets' injuries continued to mount at practice yesterday. Both wide receiver Derrick Mason and quarterback Mark Brunell had to leave practice, and are questionable for tomorrow night's preseason game with the Bengals. Mason, 37, was limping on the sideline and sat out most of the team drills. A team spokesman said he has a knee injury. Brunell came up lame after rolling out to the left on a play. After throwing the ball, he walked off the field and saw the trainer. He then walked slowly off the field into the training room. A team spokesman said the 40-year-old Brunell injured his calf. While both are listed as questionable, coach Rex Ryan likely will hold them out to be cautious with"

Jets QB Mark Brunell, WR Derrick Mason questionable for Bengals preseason game

August 20

Newark Star-Ledger

"Jets back-up quarterback Mark Brunell and receiver Derrick Mason are questionable for Sunday's preseason game against the Cincinatti Bengals, the team announced. Both players left the afternoon practice early. The team said Brunell, who limped inside during team drills with a trainer, has a calf injury. Mason, who went inside briefly with a doctor and did not take part in team drills, has a knee injury. If Brunell, who also has a finger injury, does not play Sunday, that means rookie Greg McElroy will again carry a heavy load. Rookie Jeremy Kerley, Patrick Turner and Logan Payne would likely rotate in as the third receiver with the first-team offense. QB Mark Sanchez was 9-of-17 in the"

Mason gets involved quickly

August 9

Bergen Record

"Wide receiver Derrick Mason, signed by the Jets on Saturday, got into the flow immediately in his first practice, catching a pass on the first play of 11-on-11 drills. Mason said with a smile that it wasn't planned. "No, it was just the way the defense played it," he said. "That defense is very tough, and that was a bang-bang play. The defensive back was all over me, but Mark [Sanchez] put it in the right place. … It felt good. It always feels good to get that first pass out of the way." The former Raven spent most of the break between Monday's morning walkthrough and afternoon practice getting a crash course in the playbook from receivers coach Henry Ellard. Mason said there are plenty of"

Plaxico Burress, Derrick Mason trying to catch on quickly at receiver

August 9

Newark Star-Ledger

"During the early days of training camp, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez said he's felt like he's been up against the 1985 Bears defense - the legendary unit coordinated by his coach's father, Buddy Ryan. "This defense, it looks like they've practiced every day of this lockout," Sanchez said. "So I'm fighting that with younger guys, newer guys." Sanchez had been waiting on Santonio Holmes, who could not practice until the new collective bargaining agreement was ratified on Thursday; Plaxico Burress, whose return was delayed when he rolled his ankle; and Derrick Mason, brought in Sunday to replace the departed Jerricho Cotchery. Now the pieces are in place, and the team's expectations are"

For Derrick Mason, Jets represented best chance at an elusive Super Bowl

August 8

Newark Star-Ledger

"Derrick Mason was blunt about his reasoning. As his career wanes, he wanted to play for the Jets because they provided his best chance to win the one game that's eluded him in 14 previous NFL seasons. "I'm coming to the end of my career," Mason, who confirmed he signed a two-year deal, said. "I can still play a lot of good football, but I wanted to take every opportunity to try and win the Super Bowl and for me, this is the best place to try and do that. "There were offers, sometimes you just have to see what outweighs, I've been going on 15 years now and funds were not No. 1 on my list so, No. 1 on my list was to win and to win quickly. There were other offers at other places but like I"

Jets' receiving corps moving ahead with Plaxico Burress, Derrick Mason

August 8

Newark Star-Ledger

"This afternoon's practice was the longest and hottest so far during training camp - but for the Jets, it must have been worth it. Plaxico Burress was dressed in full pads and a helmet and managed to sneak in one play with the first-team offense. And the three-hour session lasted long enough for Derrick Mason to be signed and delivered to Florham Park, slapping fives with his new teammates as he watched the end of practice. With the first preseason game one week away, the team's receiving corps is assembled and ready to build rapport with quarterback Mark Sanchez - something that had been a work-in-progress over the past week. "When you add Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason and say that"

Jets reinforce wide receiver position with Mason

August 7

Bergen Record

"The makeover of the Jets' receiving corps continued unabated Saturday as the team agreed to terms with veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, who was cut by Baltimore on July 28. Mason is expected to replace Jerricho Cotchery as the Jets' No. 3 and slot receiver. Cotchery, who had wanted to be released or traded, apparently because of his diminishing role, was released by the Jets on Thursday. Mason also was being pursued by his two former teams, Tennessee and the Ravens. Baltimore was hoping to re-sign the 37-year-old at a lower salary. Terms of his deal with the Jets weren't immediately available. On Saturday afternoon, after making his decision, Mason tweeted, "Jet fuel is full time to"

Jets sign former Ravens WR Mason

August 7

New York Post

"The Jets completed their remodeling of their wide receiving corps yesterday, reaching a deal with veteran Derrick Mason. The deal was for two years, according to a source. Mason visited the Jets on Thursday, and the Jets made him an offer. He also had offers from the Titans and Ravens, both of his former teams. Mason let the world know he chose the Jets on Twitter, writing "Jet fuel is full. Time to fly." The 37-year-old replaces Jerricho Cotchery as the team's third receiver. The Jets released Cotchery on Thursday. Jets coach Rex Ryan knows Mason from his time with the Ravens and has made no secret of his desire to add Mason this week. Last season, Mason caught 61 passes for 802 yards and"

Receiver Derrick Mason chooses Jets

August 7

Newark Star-Ledger

"Receiver Derrick Mason is headed to the Jets , he announced on his Twitter account today. "Jet fuel is full time to fly!!!!!" Mason wrote. The Jets courted Mason as a replacement for Jerricho Cotchery, the longtime Jets receiver who was released Thursday after requesting to part ways with the organization . Mason visited the team's facility that same day. Rex Ryan said Friday that he thought Mason would have to leave money on the table to come to the Jets . Baltimore wanted to bring him back, and Tennessee was also in the mix, but Mason chose to join Ryan. "Derrick is ecstatic to be a Jet," his agent, Lamont Smith, wrote in an e-mail message. Mason, who is entering his 15th NFL season,"

New York Jets nab another free agent wide receiver in veteran Derrick Mason, who leaves Ravens

August 7

New York Daily News

"Two days after the Jets released veteran wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, Gang Green agreed to terms with free agent Derrick Mason Saturday. "Jet fuel is full time to fly!!!" Mason tweeted. The Daily News first reported Friday that the Jets had extended an offer to Mason, who was released by the Ravens two weeks ago and visited the Jets' facility for a physical on Thursday. The Jets' decision to part ways with Cotchery, who had asked to be traded in February, before hearing back from Mason put the organization in a precarious position. "I'd obviously like to get Derrick right now," Rex Ryan said on Friday. "But he's got other teams. ... I'm sure he'd have to leave money on the table to"

Jets in a holding pattern for Mason

August 6

New York Post

"The Jets still are waiting on word from wide receiver Derrick Mason. The team made him an offer Thursday but there were reports he is deciding between the Jets, Ravens and Titans. The veteran receiver has played for both of the other teams. Jets coach Rex Ryan said Mason has offers for more money to play elsewhere. "I, obviously, would like to get Derrick right now, but he's got other teams, he's got other things like that, and I'm sure he'd have to leave money on the table to come here," Ryan said. The Jets released longtime receiver Jerricho Cotchery on Thursday. It was believed they were releasing him because they signed Mason, but Ryan said that was not the case. Cotchery asked to be"

Mason deciding between Jets, Ravens, Titans: report

August 6

New York Post

"Derrick Mason will choose between the Jets and his two former teams. According to reports, Mason got a contract offer from Jets on Thursday after passing a physical but returned to his Nashville home to decide on his future. The Carroll County Times reports that the veteran receiver will take several days to pick between the Jets, Ravens and Titans. "I'm sure he'd have to leave money on the table to come here," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday. Mason, 37, was drafted by Tennessee and played with the Titans for the first eight years of his career before joining the Ravens for the past six seasons. Mason was released by the Ravens earlier this offseason. The Jets cut Jerricho Cotchery on"

Rex Ryan thinks Derrick Mason has received higher offers

August 6

Newark Star-Ledger

"Jets coach Rex Ryan is still interested in bringing in former Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason - but he thinks the veteran has received higher offers from other teams. "I'd obviously like to get Derrick right now, but he's got other teams, he's got other things like that," Ryan said. "I'm sure he'd have to leave money on the table to come here." The Carroll County Times in Maryland reported that Mason is deciding between the Jets, Titans or a return to Baltimore. The Jets need another receiver after Thursday's release of Jerricho Cotchery . Ryan reiterated that the team's plan wasn't to bring in Mason so they could let Cotchery go. The coach said the Jets didn't have a"

Jerricho Cotchery says 'it's time to move on,' Jets release veteran, make offer to Derrick Mason

August 5

New York Daily News

"Jerricho Cotchery's seven-year career with the Jets ended in bizarre fashion Thursday. The morning after reports surfaced that free agent wide receiver Derrick Mason was visiting the Jets facility, Cotchery revealed that he likely wouldn't return. "It's time to move on," Cotchery told The Daily News after the morning walk-through. "If (Mason) passes the physical, he's on the team and I won't be." On the surface, it appeared as if the Jets preferred the cheaper Mason. Eventually, Rex Ryan confirmed that the team had released Cotchery, but did so only after the veteran requested it. Ryan didn't give particulars about when and why Cotchery made the request to be traded or released. By all"

Jets interested in former Ravens receiver Derrick Mason

August 4

Newark Star-Ledger

"The Jets are interested in former Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, a person with knowledge of the team's plans confirmed. That person requested anonymity because the team has not commented publicly. The 15-year veteran will visit the Jets tomorrow, according to CBS Sports and 105.7 The Fan Baltimore. Acquiring Mason could mean receiver Jerricho Cotchery will be traded or released. NFL Network reported earlier in the week that Cotchery, who is due $1.8 million in base salary, was on the trading block. Cotchery has played his entire seven-year career for the Jets. He said yesterday that he is not focused on the trade talk but on the continued recovery from offseason back surgery. Cotchery has"

Mason: "If they want me back, I'm back"

July 27

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason left Ravens headquarters late Tuesday afternoon after meeting with general manager Ozzie Newsome. He doesn't know if he'll ever walk through those doors again. "If they want me back, I'm back," Mason said. "That's all I can say." Mason will officially become a free agent Thursday at 4:01 p.m. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there's a chance that the team could re-sign Mason, presumably less than the $3.5 million he was scheduled to make. "If some other team wants me, that's one of those things that you have to look at," he said. "My first thought would be to come back here. This has been my football home for the last six years, why leave it so abruptly?""

Ravens make surprising cuts after lockout ends

July 26

Baltimore Sun

"The celebration of the NFL's 4-month lockout ending turned into disbelief when the Ravens cut four players, including their top two receivers of all time. According to league sources, the Ravens informed tight end Todd Heap, wide receiver Derrick Mason, nose tackle Kelly Gregg and running back Willis McGahee that they will be released only a few hours after the NFL and its players agreed on a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement Monday, turning this city's football world upside down. Yes, football is back. But some of the most beloved Ravens might not be. While some Ravens fans wonder whether Monday represents an end of an era, there is a possibility that the Ravens will try to"

Mason approaching elite company

July 11

Carroll County Times

"Derrick Mason proudly watched as his son bolted out of his stance and sprinted across the practice field with a familiar stride. Like his father and namesake, Derrick II plays wide receiver with a smile on his face. "They're out here because they love the game, and, as you get older, sometimes you lose sight of that," Mason told the Carroll County Times during his recent youth football camp at McDaniel College. "I haven't lost sight of that. I still play with the passion of a little kid. As long as that's here, I'll continue to play." "Just to have fun, that's why I play the game. I have fun and I enjoy it. Once I stop having fun and enjoying it, I'll quit." Heading into his 15th NFL"

Mason: Peyton Manning and Ed Reed are the NFL's best players

June 28

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason made his regular appearance on "The Norris & Davis Show" on 105.7 The Fan on Monday morning, and since NFL Network will release on Sunday the top 10 players of 2011 according to a poll of players, Mason was asked by hosts Ed Norris and Steve Davis to name his pick for the best player in the NFL. "Hands down, it's Peyton Manning," Mason said, giving an answer many Ravens fans probably didn't want to hear. "You take Tom Brady off New England, they showed they could go 11-5 [without him in 2008]. Now you take Peyton Manning off the Colts, I don't know where that team goes offensively." The Ravens wide receiver said he based his rankings not on what statistics players racked up"

Mason stays on cutting edge

June 5

Baltimore Sun

"Nobody in the NFL runs the comeback route better than the Ravens' Derrick Mason. He has been -- and continues to be -- almost unstoppable on that route. Mason has gone through several phases in his 14-year career -- from exceptional kick returner to big-play receiver who was willing to go across the middle to a player who hones his craft and works to find every advantage. "I've gotten a lot smarter," Mason said about his ability to get open on the comeback. "It's not about speed, it's about setting the defensive back up. I want to make every route look the same. What I'm able to do, with my ability, is get out and into the break." At 37, Mason has 924 career catches (12th in NFL history)"

Mason doubts lockout resolution to come soon

May 25

Carroll County Times

"The NFL labor dispute remains in litigation mode, a bitter war of attrition that has produced far more acrimony than common ground. As the lockout drags into its third month, Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver and player representative Derrick Mason sees no reason to be encouraged about the prospects for a new collective bargaining agreement anytime soon. "No closer than it was three months ago," Mason said. "It's sad to say, but that's the reality of things. I'm an optimistic person, but the way it's looking I can't see anything happening, not this month, not next month, which is June. "We're talking maybe July, and that's a maybe. Hopefully, we can put everything aside and get a deal"

Mason apologizes to Goodell -- but just for the shirt

April 15

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason extended an apology to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Twitter. Well, at least a partial one. "Someone I love and respect so much said I should apologize to the commissioner not for what I said but for the shirt," Mason tweeted Thursday night. "So commissioner goodell I apologize for the shirt bit I still feel that there's a bigger issue to tackle right now and that's the cba!!" During a radio interview last week, Mason called Goodell "a joke" for the commissioner's stance on human growth hormone testing. A few days ago, Mason went on ESPN2 wearing a t-shirt that read: "A JOKE." So, to clarify, Mason is apologizing to Goodell for wearing a shirt that"

Mason isn't backing down on Goodell "joke" comment

April 13

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason isn't backing down a week after calling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "a joke." In an appearance on ESPN2, Mason reiterated his message by wearing a t-shirt with "A JOKE" printed on it. He said he has yet to receive any negative feedback from players. "I don't think anybody disagreed with me," Mason said. "Anybody that understands what's been going on in the game of football, on the inside, not just on the outside but anyone that's been in it, they understand that. Honestly — I'm not saying this to disrespect him in any way — what has he done for the game of football to move it forward?" Mason added, "Everything that has been done has been done by Pete"

Mason calls Goodell 'a joke,' says Flacco's 'time will come'

April 6

Baltimore Sun

"Making his weekly appearance on "The Norris & Davis Show" on 105.7 The Fan this morning, Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "a joke" for his stance on human growth hormone testing and said that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will get his extension eventually. Speaking to Woodlawn High students yesterday about the dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs, Goodell said that HGH testing must be part of the new collective bargaining agreement with the players. Asked about Goodell's comments by hosts Steve Davis and Ed Norris, Mason said that now isn't the time for the commissioner to be worrying about drug testing. "You want to do whatever you have to"

If you're giving Derrick Mason a death threat, do it to his face

March 8

Baltimore Sun

"Browns cornerback Eric Wright, who was torched by Anquan Boldin for three touchdowns in Week 3, recently told The Cleveland Plain Dealer that Browns fans threatened his life last season. Appearing on "The Norris & Davis Show" on 105.7 The Fan this morning, Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason was asked if he had ever received a death threat. He said no, adding that if you're going to threaten someone, you better do it to his face. "If you're going to send a death threat out to somebody, go up to their face, walk up to them, let them know who you are, let them see you and then threaten to kill them," Mason said. "Don't send it through an email or something like that, a phone call, that's just"

Lockout would force Mason and Foxworth to rehab elsewhere

February 20

Baltimore Sun

"A lockout on March 4 would stop wide receiver Derrick Mason and cornerback Domonique Foxworth from their rehab at Ravens headquarters. Mason, who had surgeries on a broken finger and sports hernia three weeks ago, said he isn't concerned about training elsewhere. "For me, I've been working out on my own for over 10 years now," Mason told 105.7 The Fan. "I find that's best for me because I know what I need to get my body ready. And, when you're with a team, everyone's basically doing the same thing working out. You can't ask a 300-pound guy to do the same thing a 190-pound guy does." Foxworth, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee the day before training camp opened last"

Mason had surgery on finger, hernia

January 28

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens receiver Derrick Mason underwent successful finger and hernia surgery recently in Philadelphia, and was flying back home to Nashville, Tenn., this morning. Mason was interviewed on 'The Norris and Davis Show' this morning on 105.7 The Fan. The hernia surgery was a surprise because neither Mason nor team officials said anything about it during the season, but Mason said it first surfaced with about two weeks left in the regular season."

Derrick Mason has surgeries

January 27

Carroll County Times

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"Veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason had two surgeries Wednesday in Philadelphia to repair a sports hernia as well as his broken right finger, his representative confirmed. Mason already had surgery on his finger during the regular season, having a screw inserted. One day after the Ravens' AFC divisional playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mason said he would need to undergo some procedures. "I've got to get my finger fixed," Mason said. "I've got some other things, minor things that need to get done. Once the procedures are done, I'll be fine and allow myself to rehab." Mason, 37, caught 61 passes for 802 yards and seven touchdowns last season."

Mason unsure whether he'll be back with Ravens next season

January 18

Baltimore Sun

columnist Kevin Cowherd

"Derrick Mason turned 37 on Monday. But instead of opening birthday presents or blowing out candles on a cake, he was out at the Castle in Owings Mills, going through the sad ritual of cleaning out his locker at the end of another disappointing season. Four teams still chase Super Bowl rings. But the Ravens aren't one of them, not after that soul-sapping 31-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field three days ago. So here was Mason, snapping open a big plastic trash bag and emptying his locker of shoes and shirts and shorts as reporters wandered by to chat and other Ravens stopped by for him to sign their helmets. "It seems like 'Groundhog Day,' " he said softly. "Seems like I have"

Ravens WRs forced to check egos at door

January 4

Yahoo! Sports

columnist Les Carpenter

"The word hangs strange in a professional sports locker room of today. Sacrifice. Seriously? A group of the most prominent wide receivers in the NFL – Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh – have been placed together on the Baltimore Ravens and forced to give up dozens of their precious catches for the vague promise of what? Winning a Super Bowl? And they have done this without great complaint? "Well every once in awhile they have something to say," Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco says with a smile. There was, after all, the game earlier this season when Mason – the team's longtime star receiver – screamed at Flacco on the sideline, but that was quickly diffused. Yes, you can"

Mason within reach of passing Heap for franchise lead in catches

December 19

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason is within reach of a number of milestones, which he could accomplish this Sunday when the Ravens play host to the New Orleans Saints. The wide receiver needs just seven more catches to become the third player in NFL history to compile 60 catches in 11 consecutive years. He would join an elite group that includes only San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. Mason, who is also 25 receiving yards away from eclipsing the 700-yard mark for the 11th straight season, is two receptions away from passing tight end Todd Heap for the franchise lead in catches. Heap has registered 464 receptions in 10 years, while Mason sits at 463"

Derrick Mason makes good on his talk

December 14

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason's rant after the Ravens' loss to Pittsburgh revealed only a level of frustration and no great secrets. Underachieving offense? Check. But Mason put himself out front as dissatisfied with the way the offense was playing. And Monday night, he rose to the challenge. After he dropped a deep ball on the Ravens' first possession when he had a clear path to the end zone, the 14-year veteran came back to catch two touchdown passes from Joe Flacco in the first half to help open a 21-7 lead. They were vintage Mason catches, too. The first came on a third-and-6 play at the Houston 9 yard line. He ran a skinny post -- one of his favorite patterns on the goal line -- to take Flacco's pass"

Mason disappointed in Ravens offensive performance

December 6

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason was clearly struggling to find the right words in the locker room Sunday night. He hesitated several times, then decided enough was enough. He was going to be as frank as the situation warranted. "It's sad to say, but we're just not a good offense at times," Mason said. "We really aren't. For whatever reason it is, I don't know. But we're not a good offense at times. I'm not pointing any fingers at anybody because I'm part of the equation, but we're just not a good offense at times." Mason was the last player in the locker room Sunday night. He took his time getting dressed, and took his time figuring out what he wanted to say for the few reporters who stayed behind to pepper"

Mason has 'heated exchange' with Flacco

November 22

Baltimore Sun

"Wide receiver Derrick Mason had stayed under control for most of the season, but he did have a very heated exchange with quarterback Joe Flacco in the second half of Sunday's game at Carolina. Mason apparently was unhappy about Flacco not releasing a potential pass to him fast enough, and got in Flacco's face on the sideline, which spilled over onto the field. The two players had to be separated by other players, and later offensive coordinator Cam Cameron became the mediator. For some, it was a strange confrontation between the two, but Mason has been known to erupt other times during games."

Mason's break is in a different spot

November 18

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason said Wednesday that he did not re-fracture his right pinky finger in the same spot against the Atlanta Falcons. He broke it in a new place, he said, and there's nothing doctors can do to help it heal. He already has a pin in his finger; it was inserted after he hurt it earlier this season. "There's nothing they can do this time," Mason said. "It's just something that's going to have to heal on its own." Mason, who had his finger bandaged and in a splint during practice Wednesday, said the injury isn't going to keep him from playing this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. "Hopefully it won't hamper me more than a couple weeks. When I'm out there, I"

Derrick Mason thinks he broke finger again

November 12

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason believes he broke the finger that he had surgically repaired during the bye week. Mason said he had his right pinkie finger x-rayed last night in Atlanta. He will have it re-examined when the Ravens return to Baltimore. "It doesn't look good," Mason said."

Ravens' Mason irked at Crowder's 'old guy' comment

November 6

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"He's appeared in 209 games and caught 889 passes for almost 11,500 yards and 60 touchdowns during a 14-year career. Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder appeared to dismiss those numbers when earlier this week he referred to Ravens receiver Derrick Mason as "the old guy." Mason wasn't happy about it. Friday, Mason directed a salvo at Crowder, telling The Baltimore Sun, "He was still peeing on himself when I was playing football." Crowder was 14 — and presumably in control of his bodily functions — when Mason, 36, made his NFL debut in 1997 for the Tennessee Oilers. Mason may be the oldest player on the Ravens' roster, but he's by no means playing like it. Starting opposite Anquan Boldin,"

Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason nominates himself to return punts

November 2

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason said he hasn't returned punts with any regularity since 2004, but that hasn't stopped the wide receiver from seriously offering his services to the Ravens coaching staff. "I've done it before, and I was very good at it," said Mason, who went to his first Pro Bowl in 2000 as a member of the Tennessee Titans after leading the NFL in punt return yards (662) and ranking second in average yards on kick returns (27.0). "Not taking away from the guys that are doing it, but if you feel you can help the team in some aspect, you mention it to a coach. And if I need to go out there — and I'm not saying that I'm going to break a long one each time — and you get blocks from guys on the"

Mason will be back "sooner rather than later"

August 4

Baltimore Sun

"A day after spraining his right ankle, Derrick Mason missed his first practice of training camp but said he will return "sooner rather than later." "I'm happy how my ankle has responded," Mason said after Wednesday's practice. "I thought it was worse than when it actually happened. But it settled down." Mason said the ankle isn't swollen. He simply had it taped."

Ravens' Mason sprains ankle in practice

August 4

Baltimore Sun

"Hours after watching Derrick Mason being helped off the field, the Ravens could breathe a sigh of relief. The veteran wide receiver had only sprained his right ankle. "Luckily, it's not anything serious that's going to keep me out a long period of time," said Mason, who had the ankle taped. "It's just stiff and sore. Not a lot of pain." It initially seemed worse after Mason was hit by strong safety Dawan Landry late in Tuesday morning's practice. With his arms draped over trainers' shoulders, Mason couldn't put any weight on his right leg. About four hours later, Mason said the injury shouldn't affect his availability for the regular season. "I'll be fine," Mason said outside the team"

Ravens WR Mason injured during morning practice

August 3

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason was helped off the field late in this morning's practice after being hit by safety Dawan Landry. With his arms draped over trainers' shoulders, Mason couldn't put any weight on his right leg. "I just twisted it," Mason told reporters as he walked to the locker room, not specifying if he twisted his ankle or knee."