Derrick Mason retires as a Raven

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BALTIMORE, June 11 (UPI) -- Wide receiver and punt return specialist Derrick Mason announced his retirement Monday, choosing to go out as a Baltimore Raven.

In six seasons with the Ravens, Mason became the all-time franchise leader in receiving yardage (5,777) and catches (471).

Mason owns the team's top three single-season reception records with 103 catches in 2007, 86 in 2005 and 80 in 2008.

But the 38-year-old was cut loose by the team amid acrimony last year. He was subsequently signed by the New York Jets and traded to the Houston Texans, finishing the 2012 season with 170 yards on 12 receptions in 12 games.

Mason considered a permanent retirement in 2009 after the death of close friend and former Tennessee Titans teammate Steve McNair.

He racked up 12,061 receiving yards and 66 touchdowns on 943 receptions in 230 games for four teams in his 15-year career, while also compiling 1,590 yards and two TDs on 182 career punt returns.

Originally drafted by Tennessee in 1997, he played eight seasons for the Titans.