Jordan Mason: From Obscurity to Stardom in the NFL

The Emergence of Jordan Mason

In the 2022 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers were on the hunt for latent talent in the late rounds and undrafted free agent running backs. Jordan Mason’s name emerged from the pack, stirring the interest of the team’s scouting staff and running backs coach, Bobby Turner. Yet, Mason’s college record raised some eyebrows, particularly why he wasn’t starting in his final year at Georgia Tech. The answer was quite simple, Mason was backing up Jahmyr Gibbs, who later became a top NFL pick.

Mason’s Debut Performance

Mason’s aggressive approach to the game has seen him progress from a virtually unknown undrafted rookie to a standout star of the NFL’s opening week. In his first start against the New York Jets, Mason had an impressive run, stepping in for Christian McCaffrey who was sidelined with calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey is now on injured reserve and will be absent for at least the next four games.

Taking over McCaffrey’s role, Mason became the heart of an offense brimming with big names. He finished the game with 28 carries for 147 yards, a touchdown, and a five-yard catch. This performance ranked him second in terms of rushing yards in Week 1 and marked the most rushing attempts by a 49er since the appointment of coach Kyle Shanahan in 2017.

Mason’s Journey to Stardom

While Mason may not be as refined a route-runner as McCaffrey, he compensates with a hard-hitting, decisive style that poses a challenge for defenders. According to tight end George Kittle, Mason’s physicality and consistent downhill running style have been key to his success.

Mason’s breakthrough wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since his arrival in San Francisco, he has shown glimpses of his potential despite limited opportunities. Stuck behind McCaffrey, Mason had only 83 carries in his first two seasons, but he embraced his role and averaged 5.6 yards per attempt.

Transition to a More Complete Player

To climb the ranks, Mason focused on becoming a more rounded player, meeting the high standards set by Turner and Shanahan. One of his key growth areas was learning to become an effective pass catcher. He invested in a Jugs machine to improve his skills, and also spent time training with the team’s linebackers to improve his blocking skills, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.

Looking Ahead

Despite his rise in the NFL, Mason maintains that the game still moves at a fast pace for him, and he isn’t planning on slowing down. His next challenge arrives on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and he’s ready to seize the opportunity. As Mason puts it, “You just got to have that heart. You got to have that dog in you to want it. It builds up and you just play with all you got.”