| No. 20 | |
| Born: | July 8, 1939 Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | January 22, 2015 (aged 75) Newport Beach, California, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| College | Tulane |
| AFL draft | 1961 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2 |
| NFL draft | 1961 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1961–1966 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1967–1970 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1971 | Washington Redskins |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career stats | |
| |
Thomas Cyril Mason (July 8, 1939 – January 22, 2015) was an American football running back in the National Football League.
College career
Mason played college football for Tulane University.
- 1959: 10 Games – 81 carries for 336 yards. 5 catches for 54 yards and 2 TD.[1]
- 1960: 10 Games – 120 carries for 663 yards. 28 catches for 376 yards and 5 TD.
Professional career
Mason was selected first overall by the expansion Minnesota Vikings in the 1961 NFL Draft. In six seasons with the Vikings, he rushed for 3,252 yards and scored 28 touchdowns. In 1967 NFL season, he was signed by the Los Angeles Rams. He played with the Rams for four years, but accumulated only four touchdowns and less than 900 yards. He finished his career with the Washington Football Team in 1971. He didn't officially announce his retirement until June 8, 1973.[2]
Records
Mason ranks seventh in total rushing yards and sixth in rushing touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings.
Personal life
Mason was married to Rita Ridinger in the mid 1960s. He married gymnast Cathy Rigby in 1972. They were divorced in 1981. Mason married Louise England in 1987, they divorced in 1994. He married Karen Kay Mason, in 1999. He was a 1976 graduate of the Western State College of Law.[3] He died in hospice care at Newport Beach, California on January 22, 2015.[4]
References
- ^ Profile, sports-reference.com; accessed January 26, 2015.
- ^ McGowen, Deane. "People in Sports: Shue Steps Out," The New York Times, Saturday, June 9, 1973. Retrieved November 30, 2020
- ^ Western State College of Law Alumni Highlights, Spring 2015 (information on page 15). Retrieved November 30, 2020
- ^ Notice of death of Tommy Mason, startribune.com; accessed January 26, 2015.
External links
- Profile, pro-football-reference.com; accessed January 26, 2015.