NFL

• Ravens WR Mason announces retirement

  
  

  Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason said Monday he considers himself retired, for now.

  Speaking on ESPN, Mason said even though he made the decision to retire, that could change in the next month.

  "If what I'm doing becomes work then it's time for me to go," Mason told ESPN. "It started to become work for me. My workouts this offseason continued to get a little harder. I don't think it had anything to do with my age because physically, I know I can play." The 35-year-old was selected with the 98th overall pick in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft by Tennessee and spent eight seasons there before moving on to the Ravens. Over 186 games, spanning 12 seasons, the two-time Pro Bowl selection had 790 catches for 10,061 yards and 52 touchdowns.

  In 13 playoff games, the receiver had 43 grabs for 518 yards. He was also instrumental on special teams in his early years with the Titans, returning 182 punts for 1,590 yards and two scores. He also added 3,496 yards on 156 kickoff returns and one touchdown.

  Mason's sudden decision to call it quits came nine days after the death of longtime friend and teammate Steve McNair, who was killed by gunshots in Nashville.

  Mason's departure leaves Baltimore thin at the receiver position with Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams as the leading wideouts.

  07/13 19:09:42 ET