Jordan Mason, an undrafted running back out of Georgia Tech, has been a pivotal piece in the San Francisco 49ers’ backfield in 2024. While his name may not be as well known among household NFL stars, Mason’s breakout performances and relentless work ethic have raised eyebrows across the league. His meteoric rise from being a backup to a starter with one of the best teams in the league certainly presents a story of perseverance and great ability.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Jordan Mason was born on May 24, 1999, in Gallatin, Tennessee. Football was a passion from a young age, and Mason worked hard to develop his skills on the field. He went on to attend Gallatin High School and developed into a standout athlete as a running back. Strong performances upped his profile enough for him to commit to playing college football at Georgia Tech following his high school graduation.
College Career at Georgia Tech
Mason quickly established himself as a consistent, productive running back throughout his career at Georgia Tech. He made many big plays with his powerful, quick style and usually led the team in rushing yards. During the 2019 season, Mason was able to rush for over 800 yards and score 7 touchdowns, which secured his position in the lineup for the Yellow Jackets.
Mason had a very sensational career in college but went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent, banking on his fit into their dynamic rushing attack.
Jordan Mason’s NFL Journey
2022: A Quiet Rookie Season
Jordan Mason’s NFL career did not start in the most auspicious of ways. The undrafted rookie from 2022 was buried on the depth chart behind his star tailbacks, Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. Touches were rare, but Mason did his best with what little he was given, showing flashes of promise. He totaled 43 carries for 258 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry-an impressive number considering how little action he saw as a rookie.
2023: Increased Role and Key Contributions
In 2023, Mason saw increased playing time as the 49ers’ backfield battled injuries. He would eventually play in 14 games, mostly as a backup, but his hard-nosed running style and ability to break tackles were sure to impress the coaching staff. Mason finished the season rushing for 395 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns. A season-high 69-yard effort on 11 carries came in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
2024 Breakout Game: Jordan Mason Shines in McCaffrey’s Absence
September 9, 2024, 49ers vs. Jets Game
By September 9, 2024, Jordan Mason proved to be a projection cast into the national spotlight. With just hours remaining until the San Francisco 49ers kicked off their season against the New York Jets, the star running back Christian McCaffrey had been ruled out of the competition with a calf/Achilles injury, and Jordan Mason was given the start.
Mason did not disappoint. He powered the 49ers to a dominant 32-19 victory with 28 carries for 147 yards, the most for a 49ers back in the Kyle Shanahan era. His night included a pivotal 5-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended the San Francisco lead. His tackles broken, in addition to his quick cuts and power running, was too much for the Jets’ defense.
Kyle Shanahan on Jordan Mason’s Performance
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Mason after the game: “When you get him the ball, he breaks tackles, usually gets more than we block for. JP was awesome today.” Quarterback Brock Purdy was in agreement with Shanahan on the topic of Mason’s performance, adding that while McCaffrey is the best in the league, Mason did an outstanding job filling in and helping the team execute their offense.
Jordan Mason’s NFL Stats in 2024
As of Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, Mason’s stats reflect his increasing role within the 49ers’ offense:
- Rushing Yards: 147 (Week 1 vs. Jets)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
- Carries: 28
- Yards Per Carry: 5.25
With McCaffrey’s status uncertain due to injury, it is likely Mason will continue to see a heavy workload in the coming weeks. His performance on Monday night showed that he is more than capable of handling the physical demands of being the 49ers’ starting running back.
Jordan Mason’s Playing Style and Strengths
Mason’s running style is one that incorporates both power and agility. He has been labeled as a running back that can break tackles to continue gaining yards after contact. His vision enables him to find open lanes, and his quick acceleration helps him burst through the line of scrimmage. Not the fastest back in the league, Mason’s shiftiness makes him difficult to bring down.
Jordan Mason’s Net Worth in 2024
Jordan Mason’s estimated net worth, as of 2024, is around $3 million. Most of the money he has earned thus far is from the NFL contract he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, including his rookie deal inked as an undrafted free agent and pay increases attached to his performance.
He signed a two-year contract extension worth $4 million in 2023, making him a must-have in the backfield for the 49ers. A breakout year in 2024 would merely take his value that much higher.
FAQs About Jordan Mason
1. Who is Jordan Mason?
Jordan Mason is an NFL running back currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 out of Georgia Tech.
2. What is Jordan Mason’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Jordan Mason’s estimated net worth is $3 million, primarily from his NFL earnings.
3. How did Jordan Mason perform in the 2024 season opener?
In the 2024 season opener, Mason rushed for 147 yards on 28 carries, leading the 49ers to a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets.
4. What is Jordan Mason’s playing style?
Mason is known for his power running style, ability to break tackles, and quick acceleration. He excels at gaining extra yards after contact.
5. Why did Jordan Mason start in Week 1 of 2024?
Mason started in Week 1 of the 2024 season due to an injury to star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was dealing with a calf/Achilles issue.
6. Where did Jordan Mason play college football?
Mason played college football at Georgia Tech, where he led the team in rushing and earned a reputation for his tough running style.
7. What are Jordan Mason’s career NFL stats?
As of 2024, Mason has over 700 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his NFL career.
8. Has Jordan Mason ever been a starting running back before 2024?
While Mason had been a backup for most of his NFL career, he earned his first official start in 2024 against the New York Jets.
9. What is Jordan Mason’s contract with the 49ers?
In 2023, Mason signed a two-year extension with the 49ers worth $4 million, securing his spot on the team through 2025.
10. What impact did Jordan Mason have on the 49ers in 2024?
Mason’s breakout performance in Week 1 of the 2024 season solidified him as a crucial contributor to the 49ers’ offense, especially in McCaffrey’s absence.
Conclusion
The transformation of Jordan Mason from undrafted free agent to NFL starting running back truly is one born out of hard work, determination, and natural talent. With an already impressive breakout performance and continually growing role within the San Francisco 49ers offense, Mason heads into the 2024 season with immense promise for his future in the NFL. His story is that of perseverance and seizing opportunities as they come.
