The Unseen Champion: Jordan Mason’s Unforeseen Ascent to NFL Prominence

Unearthed Gem of the San Francisco 49ers

In 2022, while exploring late round and undrafted talent for potential recruitment, the San Francisco 49ers stumbled upon the name Jordan Mason. Following a careful evaluation of his abilities and potential by the scouting staff and running backs coach Bobby Turner, Mason was identified as a potential candidate to join the 49ers’ roster of overlooked running backs.

However, before this could materialize, coach Kyle Shanahan had questions about Mason’s collegiate stint at Georgia Tech, particularly why he wasn’t the starting running back in his final season. It later came to light that Mason was the backup to Jahmyr Gibbs, who later emerged as a star at Alabama and was the 12th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 draft.

Jordan Mason: The Dark Horse Emerging to Stardom

Mason’s aggressive playing style has been a key factor in his evolution from an unknown undrafted rookie to becoming one of the NFL’s standout performers in the opening week. He made his NFL debut as a starter against the New York Jets, stepping in for Christian McCaffrey, who was dealing with calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis.

Mason’s Week 1 performance was nothing short of remarkable. He became the centerpiece of an offense filled with renowned names, securing 147 yards with 28 carries, and scoring a touchdown with one five-yard catch. This performance marked the second-most rushing yards by any player in Week 1, and the most rushing attempts by any 49er in a regular-season game since Shanahan took over in 2017.

From Modest Beginnings to Becoming a Reliable Force

Mason’s breakout performance wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since his arrival in San Francisco, he has consistently demonstrated his potential in small doses. His limited opportunities can be attributed to being second to McCaffrey who, since his trade in 2022, had only missed one game (2023 Week 18) for the 49ers before Monday.

To ascend the depth chart, Mason has been diligently working on becoming a well-rounded player, as Turner and Shanahan demand of their primary backs. This has involved developing a better understanding of the playbook, improving his route running, and honing his skills as a blocker.

Looking Ahead: Jordan Mason’s Future in the NFL

As Mason continues to grow into his role, he doesn’t intend to slow down. His next chance to shine comes this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and he’s not planning on wasting it. His journey from an overlooked rookie to a key player in the 49ers’ lineup is a testament to his tenacity and determination. “You just got to have that heart,” Mason said. “You got to have that dog in you to want it. It builds up and you just play with all you got.”