San Francisco 49ers breakthrough star considered position change before unexpected chance

Christian McCaffrey's role has been taken over by Jordan Mason this season, but the running-back spent the off-season preparing to be used in a different capacity by San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason invested $3,000 into a jugs machine in the offseason, in an attempt to improve his game as a pass-catcher.

Mason, 25, has enjoyed a breakthrough season with San Francisco after 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey was placed on IR. The timeline for McCaffrey's return is unknown, but the 2-3 Niners are grateful for Mason's performances this season as things could have been a lot worse.

The undrafted running back has 536 yards and three touchdowns through the first five weeks of the season, in what is his third season with the team. Mason always knew he would get his chance but with McCaffrey being so dominant, he decided to give head coach Kyle Shanahan an extra option through the air in an attempt to get more snaps.

On top of boosting his catching, Mason worked out with the 49ers’ linebackers – who are, among many other duties, tasked with tackling running backs and attacking them as additional pass rushers – in the offseason. The extra work has seen Mason thrive and his career has changed forever, although that doesn't mean the process wasn't challenging.

The 49ers have become known for finding undrafted gems, with center Jake Brendel and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles also becoming comfortable members on the roster. Explaining the challenge of trying to make the grade as an undrafted player, Brendel said exclusively: "You're not given any benefit of the doubt, right? You’ve got to earn every single thing.

"You’ve got to make sure you're on it from day one because there are no redshirt years like in college." Brendel plays a critical role in opening running lanes for Mason and, while his success has taken the league by surprise, it wasn’t anything unexpected by those in San Francisco's locker room.

"I think it really just comes down to the system and the coaching that we receive. I think we have the best coaches in football here," said Brendel. "By listening to the coaches, listening to the critiques, and trusting his instincts as a runner, I think [Mason] is really becoming the best running back he can be.

"It's always a good come-from-behind story whenever you see a guy that was undrafted have so much success. But I mean, even back when he was a rookie, we all saw that he had great potential. We all saw that he could get it done at a high level. So I don't think the team's surprised at all about his performance. I think he has nothing but upside from here on."

Brendel is convinced by Mason, and Flannigan-Fowles is also happy to see the popular running back thrive on the field. "It means everything, man," Flannigan-Fowles said. "You can see Jordan's growth each and every single year. We always knew what kind of player he was, so for him to ball out and get his recognition now, it means a lot."

As for Mason, he was economical with his words when asked to reflect on his journey, but it’s clear he believes there’s a lesson for all players that can be taken from his success. "How has the process been? Long, but really not long," said Mason. "Just stay patient and the time will come."