Derrick Mason Says He is Retiring

[Card Magnet]

Looks like Derrick Mason is retiring. It's not official yet, but he has come out and says that he is.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

"After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all," Mason told jocklife.com. "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."

But Mason has not informed the team of his decision.

"For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this. Derrick Mason has not done that," said Kevin Byrne, the Ravens' senior vice president of public relations.

Mason's agent, Peter Schaffer, did not immediately respond to a phone call and e-mail from The Associated Press. Schaffer’s agent, partner, C. Lamont Smith, did confirm to The Baltimore Sun that the 12-year veteran has retired.

Smith, told jocklife.com, that Mason "advised me that after careful and deep thought he had made a decision to retire from professional football. ... Given that Derrick just reached this decision on Friday, he has not as of yet filed official papers with the league offices."

Mason, 35, played a key role in helping Baltimore reach the AFC Championship Game last season. He started all 16 games and led the Ravens in receptions (80) and receiving yards (1,037). He then added 12 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games.

Mason played eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans and four years with the Ravens. Last season he became the 31st player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career yards receiving.

In March, Mason, who is entering the final year of his contract, told NFL.com he had loosely considered retirement, but wanted to play for two or three more seasons.

On Monday, Mason insisted the announcement had nothing to do with his drive during the offseason to get a better contract.

"I have made enough money, more than enough money," Mason said.

Without Mason, Baltimore's most accomplished wide receivers are Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.