Derrick Mason Still Unsure on Retirement

Derrick Mason announced recently that he is retiring from the NFL, citing a long career of achievements, with little else to prove or accomplish.

“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.”

This is especially interesting for two reasons.

First, the most logical explanation-the one many cheap-shot artists will acknowledge before all others: the contract issue.

Mason had been trying to get his contract re-worked all off-season, and until just recently, had never given any signs that he was finished with football.

In fact, Mason spent much of 2008 playing through pain after a shoulder injury, and wore a special harness all the way up until the Ravens' AFC title game loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In regards to the supposed money issue, Mason said, "I have made enough money, more than enough money."

Indeed, he has.

Which brings this writer to another thought, and quite possibly, his ultimate reason for not returning.

In an interview with ESPN on Monday, Mason admitted that he was not completely sure about his retirement announcement, saying that he was only "99% sure", and that his family would have "97%" to do with his final decision.

The interview report also stated that any swaying from Baltimore would not change Mason's mind.

So, if the family doesn't have the complete say, and his team has no say, then what could explain this sudden change of heart from a guy who is only 35, and could still have another three solid years in the league?

Aside from the simple wear-and-tear of the NFL, it could be something as mundane as losing his long-time quarterback and friend, Steve McNair.

Perhaps the death of his friend reminded him of life's treasures, the presence of time as being a luxury few of us have, and that spending that time with his family and friends is now more important to him that going after that elusive Super Bowl ring.

That's not too outlandish, is it?

Mason was, like many, completely broken over McNair's passing, and was visibly distraught at the former Titan's funeral.

Regardless of his reason for leaving the game, it's very arguable that he is leaving too early.

And if it's impacted by a heavy heart, Baltimore-and the rest of us-could yet again see this remarkable man hit an NFL field.

But even if he doesn't, we can still look back on all the games in which (much like McNair) Mason gave it everything he had.