Running back Tommy Mason, a Louisiana native and Tulane star who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft and went on to an 11-year pro career, has died. He was 75.
Mason's death was announced by the Washington Redskins, where he ended his career in 1971.
"Tommy was a great teammate and valued member of the Washington Redskins," team president Bruce Allen said in a statement. "Our entire organization sends its condolences to his family."
His earlier NFL career included the Los Angeles Rams (1967-70) and the Minnesota Vikings, which selected him in the 1961 draft. He was the first draft selection in that team's history. The team took Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton two rounds later.
"Tommy was an enormous talent. He was a great player, a humble man and an outstanding teammate. I will always cherish the years I spent with Tommy," Tarkenton said in a statement issued by the Vikings.
Overall, Mason rushed for 4,302 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also racked up 2,324 yards receiving and 13 TD catches. Mason was also a three-time Pro Bowler.
A native of Lake Charles, where he helped the Lake Charles High Wildcats win the 1954 state football championship, he was an All-American running back for Tulane University in 1960
According to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 1981, Mason followed his older brother to Tulane and in his senior season at Tulane, Mason was the Green Wave captain and led the Southeastern Conference in both rushing (663 yards) and scoring (78 points, on 13 touchdowns).
Despite the team's poor record that year, he was named to the All-SEC team and Time magazine placed him on its All-America team.
In the 1970s, Mason also made headlines for his marriage to gymnast Cathy Rigby.
According to the Redskins, Mason is survived by his wife, Karen, and his three sons, Buck, Ryan and Taylor, his grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
