OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -Sometimes, the pain experienced by a pro football player really hits home.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason has been playing for two months with a dislocated left shoulder. In a 33-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys last week, Mason had six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown even though he could barely lift his arm.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a tougher football player in 25 years of coaching,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “It’s a tribute to who he is as a competitor.”
Mason’s ability to perform through the pain is an inspiration to his coaches and teammates. Unfortunately, his 5-year-old son, Derrick II, can’t really appreciate the sacrifices his father is making to help Baltimore get into the playoffs.
y. “I think he realizes it now. But at the same time, he’s just a boy.”
The holidays won’t be the same at the Mason household because Daddy has only one arm in full working order.
“I’ve got to just be careful this Christmas, so my wife will do most of the wrapping,” he said. “Which she does most of every year anyway.”
Since hurting his shoulder on Nov. 9 in Houston, Mason has spent more time in the training room than on the practice field. And yet, when it comes time to perform on gameday, he’s always in the huddle. Always asking for quarterback Joe Flacco to throw him the ball. Always eager to make a catch over the middle even if it means an inevitable collision with an angry defensive back.
He will be playing in his 106th consecutive game Sunday against Jacksonville, a game the Ravens must win to get into the playoffs. Baltimore could earn a postseason berth if New England loses earlier Sunday, but that won’t matter to Mason.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a situation because of an injury or because we’ve clinched a playoff berth that I’ve sat out a game,” he said. “I still plan on going out there and being out there with the offense.”
(five). Not bad for a 34-year-old with an inventory of ailments as long as his son’s gift list to Santa.
“He’s probably had all kinds of other things wrong with him the rest of the season,” Flacco said. “He’s been playing hurt all year, and for him to come out and play like he has is incredible.”
Against Dallas, Mason was forced off the field three times. He never stayed put, however, because he was determined to do his part to keep the Ravens (10-5) in the playoff hunt.
Outsiders might have perceived his back-and-forth routine to be heroic. His teammates expected nothing less.
“I knew he was going to do that,” center Jason Brown said. “It might have been a surprise to you all, but knowing Derrick’s heart and how dedicated he is to our team and what we’re trying to do right now, I knew that nothing short of him having a heart attack or having to undergo surgery at that moment could keep him off that football field.”
Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox has battled injuries his entire career, so he knows how difficult it’s been for Mason to stay on the football field, let alone perform at such a high level.
ow, because many times he’s out there playing with one arm. Plus, people know he’s hurt. He’s just one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around.”
What could possibly cause a man to put himself through such an ordeal in his 12th NFL season? No one would blame Mason for simply throwing up his arms (well, arm) in anguish and taking a seat on the sideline.
But that’s just not his style.
“I really enjoy the pure competitiveness of the game. That’s what motivates me,” he said. “I think you play better when your back is against the wall or when you’re dealing with things, whether it’s physical, mental or whatever.”
Besides, what would little Derrick think if his father didn’t play through the pain?
“I’ve always been this way. I like to go out there because I’ve got kids, and one day my son will want to play sports,” Mason said. “I can then look back and reminisce with him that your old dad played through some tough ones. That will be motivation for him for whatever he’s going through. He can look back and say, if my father can do it, I can do it.”
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