Predators Sign Damon Mason
April 14, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando, Fla. (April 14) -- Damon Mason, one of the most ferocious hitters and popular players in Orlando Predators franchise history, has re-joined the team after a three-year absence. Mason, who started the 2004 season with the Carolina Cobras, was released by the team on Tuesday. He inked a two-year deal with the Predators on Wednesday.
"Of all the free agents we have lost since I have been here, losing Damon Mason was the one that was the hardest for both me and our franchise," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Damon is one of the toughest defensive specialists to ever play this game and I am convinced he can come in here and give us a spark."
Mason ranked second in the league with a team-high 60.0 tackles at the time of his release by Carolina. He had two interceptions and three passes defended. A six-year AFL veteran, Mason currently ranks third in AFL history with 561.0 total tackles and has been named to the All-Arena team three times (2000, 2001, 2002).
Mason also was a key contributor on two ArenaBowl title teams with the Orlando Predators in 1998 and 2000. During his time with the Predators, he compiled 383.5 tackles with 55 pass defenses and 13 interceptions. He posted three consecutive years of 100 or more tackles and also had eight tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. In addition, his Predators post-season stats include 55 tackles, seven pass defenses and four interceptions in 10 games. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown against Tampa Bay in ArenaBowl XII.
"Damon's aggressive play should give a huge lift to our special teams and secondary. His addition takes us from being a finesse secondary to becoming a physical one," Gruden added. "He's just a tough guy."
Mason has a well-deserved reputation for being a big hitter. Despite his 5-9, 195-lb. frame, he recklessly throws his whole body into every tackle. During his 1998 rookie campaign, Gruden had to burn eight timeouts during the course of the season to allow Mason to clear his head after a wicked hit.
Mason left the Predators following the 2001 season as a salary cap casualty. He signed with the New Jersey Gladiators and stayed with the franchise when it moved to Las Vegas for the 2004 campaign. With the Gladiators, he had 112.5 tackles, 6 TFL, 7 interception s and 13 pass defenses over the past two years.
"I always considered myself an Orlando Predator and it's great to be back home," Mason said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute and help this team get back to the playoffs."
Mason, 29, played college football at Southwest Louisiana State University where he was a third team All-America selection as a senior in 1996. He was originally discovered by the Predators coaching staff at a free agent tryout camp in Louisiana in 1997.
To make room on the roster for Mason, the Predators released defensive specialist Sam Young, who had 30.5 tackles, 6 pass defenses and an interception in seven games for the Predators.
Mason will make his Orlando Predators debut on Sunday, April 11 against the Georgia Force. The game will be broadcast on WQTM 740 The Team, beginning with the pre-game show at 2:30 p.m.
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