Former NFL tailback Tommy Mason, the No. 1 pick in the 1961 NFL Draft, has passed away, the Washington Redskins said on Thursday.
Mason, 75, was the first-ever draft choice of the Vikings, who took Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton two rounds later.
Mason had his greatest success in his six-season stint with Minnesota (1961-1966), making the Pro Bowl in three consecutive campaigns (1962-1964). He also had stints with the Los Angeles Rams (1967-1970) and Washington (1971).
Overall, Mason rushed for 4,302 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also racked up 2,324 yards receiving and 13 TD catches.
“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.
Mason is survived by his wife and three children, Washington said.
