Tommy Mason

Thomas Cyril Mason (July 8, 1939 – January 22, 2015) was an American professional football player who played running back in the National Football League. He played college football at Tulane University for the Green Wave. In 1959 he appeared in 10 games, carrying 81 times for 336 yards and adding 5 receptions for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 1960 he again played 10 games, rushing 120 times for 663 yards and catching 28 passes for 376 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The expansion Minnesota Vikings selected Mason first overall in the 1961 NFL draft. Over six seasons with the Vikings, he rushed for 3,252 yards and scored 28 touchdowns. He ranks ninth in total rushing yards and ninth in rushing touchdowns in Vikings franchise history. In 1967 he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he played four years but accumulated only four touchdowns and fewer than 900 yards. He finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1971, though he did not officially announce his retirement until June 8, 1973.

Mason married Rita Ridinger in the mid-1960s.