Derrick Mason will forever be a Baltimore Raven.
After 15 seasons in the league, Mason indicated on Twitter that he is officially retiring in purple and black.
The team will hold a press conference with Mason, General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Head Coach John Harbaugh at 3 p.m. today. Log on at 3 p.m. to watch it live.
"I can walk away knowing I used every inch of the wick in the candle now the fire is out!!!" Mason tweeted. "I'm truly happy with my decision."
The wide receiver spent six seasons in Baltimore compared to eight years in with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. His permanent residence is in Nashville, Tenn.
Yet Mason felt like Baltimore was home.
Mason is still the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (471) and receiving yards (5,777).
One of the best route-runners in the game, he posted seasons of more than 1,000 receiving yards in four of his six years as a Raven. He scored 29 regular-season touchdowns, including seven in each of his final two seasons with the team.
Mason was much more than statistics in Baltimore, however.
He was a leader on the offensive side of the ball, pairing with quarterback Steve McNair to win a divisional title in 2006, and then helping Joe Flacco make the leap from rookie starting quarterback in 2008 to an offensive leader thereafter.
Mason never missed a game, playing through countless bumps and bruises and more. For example, he played through a separated shoulder near the end of the 2008 season and into the playoffs.
Mason finishes his career 19th in NFL history in receiving yards (12,061). He is also a two-time Pro Bowler (2000 and 2003).
