Ben Mason (American football)

Ben Robert Mason (born May 25, 1999) is an American football fullback and tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life
Mason was born in Framingham Massachusetts and later moved to Newtown, Connecticut and attended Newtown High School. Mason was named the Connecticut Gatorade Football Player of the Year after rushing for 719 yards and 11 touchdowns with 15 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns on offense and recording 63 tackles with two interceptions and two forced fumbles on defense.

College career
Mason played in every game of his freshman season at Michigan on special teams and also rushed for two touchdowns as a fullback. As a sophomore, he saw significant playing time as a fullback and rushed for 80 yards and seven touchdowns on 33 carries with one reception for 15 yards and seven tackles on special teams. He scored three touchdowns in Michigan's 56-10 win over Nebraska to begin conference play. Mason was moved to the defensive tackle position during spring practices and began his junior year as a starter. He was moved back to fullback and tight end one month into the season and was used primarily as a blocker. Mason caught two passes for 17 yards and one touchdown as a senior.

Baltimore Ravens
Mason was selected in the fifth round with the 184th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. On May 12, 2021, Mason signed with the Ravens. He was waived on August 31, 2021.

New England Patriots
On September 1, 2021, the New England Patriots signed Mason to their practice squad. He was released on November 8, 2021.

Chicago Bears
On December 7, 2021, the Chicago Bears signed Mason to their practice squad.

Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
On January 21, 2022, Mason signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2023.

On August 29, 2023, Mason was waived by the Ravens and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on September 26, 2023. On December 20, 2023, Mason was re-signed to the Ravens practice squad. On Saturday January 6, 2024, Mason would make his NFL Debut with the Ravens while playing against the Steelers in week 18 of the NFL Season. Mason played on special teams and recorded no tackles in this game. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and thus became a free agent when his practice squad contract expired.

Los Angeles Chargers
On April 2, 2024, Mason signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.