Tommy Mason was a former NFL running back who played for the Minnesota Vikings and is considered one of the franchise’s early stars. He made significant contributions to the team during his career, particularly in the 1960s. Here’s a detailed biography of Tommy Mason:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Thomas Earl Mason
Born: July 19, 1941, in Jackson, Louisiana
High School: Mason attended Jackson High School in Louisiana, where he was an exceptional athlete, excelling in both football and track.

College:

• Louisiana State University (LSU): Tommy Mason played college football at LSU, where he became a standout running back for the LSU Tigers.
• At LSU, he demonstrated his skill as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield, which set him apart as one of the top college players of his time.
• During his college career, Mason helped LSU maintain a strong offense, and his play earned him recognition as one of the best running backs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Tommy Mason was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 1st overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft, making him the first-ever player chosen by the Vikings in their inaugural draft.

Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966)

• Immediate Impact: Mason made an immediate impact for the Vikings after being drafted. As the No. 1 pick, he was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s offense, and he quickly lived up to those expectations.
• Versatility: Mason was known for his versatility as a running back. He had the ability to run the ball effectively but was also a skilled receiver, which made him a dual-threat for opposing defenses.
• In his first few seasons with the Vikings, Mason was a key player in their offensive attack, helping to establish the foundation of the franchise.
• Pro Bowl Selection: Mason was named to the Pro Bowl after the 1963 season, showcasing his outstanding performance as a running back.
• During his time with the Vikings, Mason gained recognition for his ability to break tackles, make defenders miss, and contribute both in the running game and as a pass-catching back.

New Orleans Saints (1967–1969)

• In 1967, after spending several years with the Vikings, Mason was traded to the New Orleans Saints, another NFL expansion team, where he continued his career.
• Although his time with the Saints was less successful than his tenure with the Vikings, Mason still played an important role in the Saints’ offense as one of the team’s key offensive players.
• His time in New Orleans was marred by injuries, and he struggled to maintain the same level of performance he had in Minnesota.

Later Career and Retirement

• Tommy Mason played for a few more seasons but was ultimately forced to retire after the 1969 season due to injuries.
• Despite his relatively short career, Mason’s impact on the Vikings in the early years of the franchise was significant. He helped establish the team as a competitive force in the NFL.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Versatility: Mason’s versatility was one of his standout qualities. Not only could he run the ball effectively between the tackles, but he also was a dangerous weapon as a receiver out of the backfield.
• Speed and Agility: Mason was known for his quickness and agility, which allowed him to evade tacklers and gain significant yardage.
• Strong Balance: He had good vision and balance, which helped him navigate through defensive lines and make big plays.
• Pass-catching: His ability to contribute as a pass-catching back was ahead of his time, and he was used often in the Vikings’ passing attack.

NFL Career Stats

• Rushing Yards: 4,532 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 30 touchdowns
• Receptions: 181
• Receiving Yards: 1,757 yards
• Total Touchdowns: 34 touchdowns
• Games Played: 107 games
• Pro Bowls: 1 (1963)

Legacy and Impact

• Franchise Icon: As the Vikings’ first-ever No. 1 overall pick, Tommy Mason is remembered as one of the early stars of the franchise. He helped lay the foundation for the Vikings’ offensive success in the early years.
• Versatile Playmaker: Mason’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield was a rarity for his time and made him an important weapon for the teams he played on.
• Historical Significance: Though his career was cut short by injuries, Tommy Mason remains a significant figure in NFL history, especially for his contributions to the Vikings and his role in the expansion of the New Orleans Saints.

Summary

• Position: Running Back
• NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966), New Orleans Saints (1967–1969)
• Pro Bowls: 1 (1963)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • Rushing Yards: 4,532 yards
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 30
  • Receptions: 181
  • Receiving Yards: 1,757 yards
  • Total Touchdowns: 34
  • Games Played: 107 games

Tommy Mason’s legacy lives on as one of the early stars of the Minnesota Vikings and an important player in the NFL’s history. His versatility and ability to contribute both as a runner and as a receiver helped establish the role of dual-threat running backs in the league, and he remains an iconic figure in the Vikings’ early years.