The former Tulane star Tommy Mason has the distinction of being the very first ever player drafted by the Vikings organization in 1961. Has 5 good seasons with Minnesota until and injury hobbled him in 1966. Rushed for 3252 yards and 28 touchdowns as a Viking. Also caught 151 passes for another 1689 yards. Still ranks #9 in rushing yards on the Minnesota Vikings All-Time Rushing list. Contributed as a kick returner at times during his career. Pro Bowl selection 1962, 1963 and 1964. All Pro team in 1963.
Image Gallery of Tommy Mason, Halfback, 1961-1971
Tommy Mason - Minnesota's first player to earn All Pro Honors - carries into the brunt of the Chicago Bears defense in 1963. Other players here are rookie Ray Poage (#86), Fran Tarkenton (#10) in the background, center Mick Tinglehoff (#53) and Bear cornerback Bennie McRae (#26).
Vikings ball carrier Tommy Mason works to get outside of that great Rams defense of the 1960s decade led by lineman Lamar Lundy (#85) and Deacon Jones (#75). #58 is former Packer linebacker Dan Currie. As of the 2022 NFL season Mason still ranks #9 among Vikings All Time Leading Runners.
Packers All Pro Linebacker Bill Forester (#71) seems quite intent on stoping Vikings runner Tommy Mason here during an early 1960s clash between Green Bay and Minnesota.
The first ever draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings - Tommy Mason of Tulane University. Played 6 seasons in Minnesota and rushed for 3258 yards and 28 touchdowns.
#8 on the All-Time Vikings leading rusher list.
6 years, Started 56 games, 761 attempts - 3252 yards - 4.3 YPC - 28 TDS - 912 Total Touches - 4941 Total Yards - 5.4 YPT - 39 Total Touchdowns.
Vikings runner Tommy Mason stars in Personna razor blade commercial of the early 1960s.
Rookie Tommy Mason of Tulane. The very first player ever chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1961 college draft. He was also chosen by the Boston Patriots in the AFL.
A sketch of the Vikings Pro Bowl runner from the 1965 annual issue Pro Football Almanac magazine.
The former Tulane star has the distinction of being the very first ever player drafted by the Vikings organization in 1961. Has 5 good seasons with Minnesota until and injury hobbled him in 1966. Rushed for 3252 yards and 28 touchdowns as a Viking. Also caught 151 passes for another 1689 yards. Still ranks #8 in rushing yards on the Minnesota Vikings All-Time Rushing list. Contributed as a kick returner at times during his career. Pro Bowl selection 1962, 1963 and 1964. All Pro team in 1963.
Tommy Mason
Tommy Mason
Tommy Mason
Tommy Mason NFL Star
For some good additional information on Tommy Mason:
Tommy Mason at Pro Football Reference Looking back at Tulane’s legendary RB Tommy Mason
one of my all time childhood favorites. the number 20 was a chosen favorite number that i got to wear
Who did you wear it for??