Mason doesn’t grab headlines, only footballs, as star receiver for unbeaten Ravens

Mason again proves to be great catch for Ravens

BALTIMORE — Derrick Mason never choreographed an end zone celebration or yelled at his quarterback for not throwing his way. He doesn’t mind running into the middle of the field to make a catch, even if it means taking a vicious hit from an overzealous defensive back.

He isn’t interested in grabbing headlines, only footballs.

Mason may not be a typical pro receiver, but his numbers suggest he’s among the best to ever play the position. The Baltimore Ravens wideout ranks 29th in NFL history with 10,257 yards receiving, and last Sunday became the 23rd player with 800 career receptions.

Upon reaching the latter milestone in a 34-3 win over the Browns, the 35-year-old Mason didn’t thump his chest or take a bow. He simply returned to the huddle and listened for the next play.

“I wasn’t really paying attention,” he said. “I didn’t know that was the 800th catch. It’s a part of the day, part of your job, to catch the ball, get open and make a guy miss and do whatever you need to do to help the team win.”

When Mason broke into the league with Tennessee in 1997, he make his mark as a punt returner. Over his first three seasons he had only two starts and 47 catches.

Mason finally became part of the Tennessee offense in 2000. He reached the Pro Bowl that season and in 2003, and has surpassed 1,000 yards in seven of the last eight years.

Since joining the Ravens as a free agent in 2005, Mason has had seasons of 86, 68, 103 and 80 catches. Except for 2006, he’s led Baltimore in receptions and yards receiving every year.

This season is shaping up to be more of the same. Mason is tied for the team lead with 12 catches and ranks first with 196 yards.

“He’s a playmaker, and he does it in so many different ways,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s the best route runner that I’ve seen in the time that I’ve been in the National Football League. He can get open against anybody in just about any way. And it’s not just the underneath stuff. You can put him outside and he can get deep, make a play, make a catch, shake off a tackle and score.”

Which is exactly what happened against the Browns, when Mason caught a short pass and worked his way through the secondary to complete a 72-yard touchdown.

For much of his career, Mason has been labeled a possession receiver. He certainly does have his fair share of catches over the middle on third-down plays, but his value to the Ravens goes well beyond his ability to run precise 10-yard patterns.

“I’m tired of arguing with people and trying to convince people that I’m more than that,” he said. “I can do just about anything, you know.”

The Ravens see it that way, too, which is precisely why the coaching staff was stunned in July when Mason abruptly announced his retirement. Saddened by the shooting death of good friend Steve McNair, his quarterback with Tennessee and Baltimore, Mason said he lost his desire to play football.

He ultimately changed his mind, and the unbeaten Ravens are still celebrating the decision.

“Well Derrick, thanks for not retiring,” Harbaugh told the receiver Sunday.

Mason is averaging 16.3 yards per catch and remains a favorite target of second-year quarterback Joe Flacco.

“Derrick is great to have around. He’s obviously had a great career,” Flacco said. “I didn’t get to throw most of those (800) passes to him, but it’s pretty cool just to be a part of. You don’t know how many times you’re going to be around a guy like Derrick. And for him to be a part of our team, it’s pretty special for us.”