(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The month of July was a controversial one for the NFL, along with many of its franchises.
The death of Steve McNair took the league by storm.
The re-instating of Michael Vick has also brought a media controversy around the sports world, especially to the teams that have not taken their name out of the bidding.
In the early days of July, however, one moment shocked the city of Baltimore: the retirement of wide receiver Derrick Mason.
Mason, the most productive target on the Baltimore Ravens' offense said, "I have accomplished everything I wanted to in my career, and it is time to call it a career."
The retirement came just a week after McNair's death. Mason and McNair were long-time teammates in Tennessee, and surely the passing of a close friend led to Mason needing time with his family.
Speculation was also made of a contract dispute with the team, Mason, a key contributor to the Ravens' playoff success, openly wanting a raise.
The retiring of Mason seemingly did not scare the Ravens in any manner. Coach John Harbough and general manager Ozzie Newsome wanted to do something about it, which led to on-going discussions with Mason over the past few weeks.
Harbough was "optimistic" about him returning, with many panicking, while others indeed felt confident that he would return.
When the day of August 1 came around, the Ravens' training camp felt a new buzz. Not from Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, or even coach Harbough, but the exciting return of Derrick Mason sparked the locker room.
Mason, after a few weeks in retirement, decided it was time to come back to football to, "Finish what I have started."
Though the death of McNair took a toll on the veteran, time off with his family, to reflect on life, perhaps, allowed him to clear his mind and paved the way for a comeback.
The return of Mason to the Ravens is a positive for quarterback Joe Flacco, who knows his top receiver will be back.
Young wide out Mark Clayton benefits from the return of Mason, as he looks to continue improving his game as a strong No. 2 option.
The running game can also be moreeffective through play-action, which Flacco started to use through the playoffs.
Being in his second season as quarterback, knowing what the offensive scheme is, and his limits, look for a much more efficient start to the season, which should include more yards and touchdown throws.
It's a sigh of relief in the Baltimore Ravens' organization with the return of Derrick Mason, who can put the purple and black over the top as an elite threat to win the title this coming season.
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