How an undrafted free agent rose from college standout to NFL starter
In short: Jordan Mason entered the NFL without a draft selection, yet found himself leading the San Francisco 49ers in rushing. His journey from Georgia Tech to the Minnesota Vikings is a testament to the impact an overlooked player can have when the opportunity arises.
After going undrafted, Jordan Mason joined the San Francisco 49ers during the 2022 season. Before reaching the NFL, Mason was a consistent presence for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2017 to 2021. His collegiate career was marked by significant peaks, such as his sophomore season, where he recorded career highs of 899 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 172 attempts. His freshman campaign also showcased efficiency, as he averaged 6.1 yards per carry across 108 carries for 659 yards and seven scores.
In the NFL, Mason proved his ability to step into high-pressure roles. During his rookie season, he contributed to key victories, including a 41–23 Wild Card Round win against the Seattle Seahawks. His second professional season saw him earn his first NFL start during a Monday Night Football season-opener against the New York Jets. In that game, replacing the injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason achieved a career-high 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 32–19 win. He also demonstrated versatility in his senior year, contributing 80 receiving yards and a touchdown alongside his rushing production.
However, the physical toll of the game has been a recurring theme. During the 2024 season, Mason dealt with a series of injuries, including a shoulder injury in Week 6 and a high ankle sprain in Week 13. These setbacks led to him being placed on injured reserve in December 2024. Following a trade in March 202<0xC2>5 that sent him to the Minnesota Vikings, Mason faced further adversity when he was placed on injured reserve again in September 2026. His transition to Minnesota began with a strong performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he tallied 116 yards and two touchdowns.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jordan Mason
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