 Foster with theWashington Redskins in 2017 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 59, 54 | |||||||||||||||
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| Position | Linebacker | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (1989-03-01)March 1, 1989 (age 36) Monterey, California, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | Seaside | ||||||||||||||
| College | Washington (2007–2010) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2011: 3rd round, 84th overall pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Mason Foster (born March 1, 1989) is an American former professionalfootball player who was alinebacker in theNational Football League (NFL). He was selected by theTampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the2011 NFL draft. He playedcollege football for theWashington Huskies. He was also a member of theChicago Bears andWashington Redskins.
Foster attendedSeaside High School, where he played for the Seaside Spartanshigh school football team, leading them to a 12–1 overall record, a 5–0 league record, a Monterey Bay league title, and the CIF Central Coast Section small school championship in 2006. Foster led a defense that allowed just six points per game during the regular season and recorded four shutouts, as well as taking over at quarterback midway through the season. Foster was named theMonterey County player of the year by theMonterey Herald, defensive player of the year by theSalinas Californian, an All-Central Coast Section first-team linebacker by theSan Jose Mercury News, and CalHiSports all-state first-team for 2006. He was ranked the No. 68 linebacker recruit in the country by Rivals.com.
Considered a three-star recruit byRivals.com, Foster was listed as the No. 68 outside linebacker in the nation in 2007.[1]
As a true freshman in 2007, Foster played in all 13 games, starting four games including three at weakside linebacker and one at middle linebacker.
As a sophomore in 2008, Foster started all 12 at one outside linebacker spot, leading thePac-10 Conference in tackles per game with 8.75 and topped theUniversity of Washington Huskies with 12.0 tackles for a loss. Foster earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 as well as being named the Huskies' team MVP (Defense).
As a junior in 2009, Foster started all 12 of the Huskies' games at one linebacker spot, finishing second on the team with 85 total tackles while leading the Pac-10 with six forced fumbles. Named honorable mention All-Pac-10 as well asThe Sporting News All-Pac-10 first-team.
As a senior in 2010, Foster started all 13 of the Huskies' games at linebacker, recording 162 tackles (12.46/gm) finishing second in FBS. Foster was named an All-American.[2] Earned Defensive MVP honors for the 2011 Holiday Bowl in a win over Nebraska.[3] Was invited to, and played in the 2011 Senior Bowl.[4]
Prior to the Senior Bowl, Foster was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. On January 29, 2011, Foster played in the2011 Senior Bowl and raised his draft stock after an impressive performance.[5] He attended theNFL Scouting Combine inIndianapolis and was considered to be a top performer among his position group. On March 31, 2011, Foster attended Washington's pro day and chose to run to the 40-yard dash (4.74s), 20-yard dash (2.73s), 10-yard dash (1.62s), vertical jump (30.5"), short shuttle (4.48s), and three-cone drill (7.14s). At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Foster was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.[6] He was ranked as the tenth best outside linebacker prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.[7]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft1+1⁄4 in (1.86 m) | 245 lb (111 kg) | 31 in (0.79 m) | 9+5⁄8 in (0.24 m) | 4.74 s | 1.62 s | 2.73 s | 4.45 s | 7.14 s | 31 in (0.79 m) | 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) | 22 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine/Pro Day[8][7] | ||||||||||||
TheTampa Bay Buccaneers selected Foster in the third round (84th overall) of the2011 NFL draft.[9] Foster was the 11th outside linebacker drafted in 2011.[10][11]
On July 29, 2011, the Buccaneers signed Foster to a four-year, $2.78 million contract that includes asigning bonus of $525,000.[12]
Throughout training camp, Foster competed to be the starting middle linebacker againstTyrone McKenzie.[13] His development and conversion to middle linebacker was delayed due to the2011 NFL lockout. On August 24, 2011, Foster was fined $20,000 for a hit he delivered toChad Ochocinco during the Buccaneers' 31–14 loss to theNew England Patriots in their second preseason game. Ochocinco offered to pay the fine for him, as he disagreed with the league's decision, but the league stated that he would not be able to.[14] Head coachRaheem Morris named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season after he had an impressive showing during the preseason.[15]
He made his professional regular season debut in theTampa Bay Buccaneers' season-opener against theDetroit Lions and recorded seven combined tackles in their 27–20 loss. On September 18, 2011, Foster made his first career start and collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo), forced a fumble, and made his first career sack during a 24–20 victory at theMinnesota Vikings in Week 2. Foster made his first career sack on Vikings' quarterbackDonovan McNabb for a six-yard loss in the second quarter.[16] In Week 14, he recorded six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception in the Buccaneers' 41–14 loss at theJacksonville Jaguars. Foster made his first career interception off a pass by Jaguars' quarterbackBlaine Gabbert, that was originally intended for tight endMarcedes Lewis, in the endzone to secure a touchback during the third quarter.[17] He finished his rookie season in 2011 with 84 combined tackles (58 solo), two pass deflections, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 16 games and 15 starts.[18]
On January 2, 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Raheem Morris after they finished the 2011 season with a 4–12 record.[19] Foster entered training camp as the starting middle linebacker and saw competition fromAdam Hayward after defensive coordinatorBill Sheridan chose to try Foster out as an outside linebacker.[20] Head coachGreg Schiano named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, alongside outside linebackersQuincy Black andLavonte David.[21]
On September 16, 2012, Foster collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (12 solo), a pass deflection, and an interception during a 41–34 loss at theNew York Giants in Week 2. Foster intercepted a pass by quarterbackEli Manning, that was intended for tight endMartellus Bennett, during the second quarter.[22] In Week 17, he collected 12 combined tackles (11 solo) during a 22–17 win at theAtlanta Falcons.[23] He started in all 16 games in 2012 and recorded 105 combined tackles (82 solo), two sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception.[18]
Foster returned as the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season in 2013, alongside Lavonte David andDekoda Watson.[24] He started in theTampa Bay Buccaneers' season-opener at theNew York Jets and recorded eight combined tackles and two sacks in their 18–17 loss. He made two sacks on quarterbackGeno Smith.[25] On September 15, 2013, Foster made seven combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown during a 16–14 loss against theNew Orleans Saints. Foster intercepted a pass by Saints' quarterbackDrew Brees, which was originally intended for tight endJimmy Graham, and returned it for an 85-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[26] In Week 11, he recorded three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown before exiting in the second quarter of the Buccaneers' 41–28 victory against theAtlanta Falcons after sustaining aconcussion. Foster intercepted a pass by Falcons' quarterbackMatt Ryan, that was intended for fullbackPatrick DiMarco, and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Foster sustained a concussion after colliding with teammateDashon Goldson and was inactive for the Buccaneers' Week 12 victory at theDetroit Lions.[27] On December 1, 2013, Foster collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (five solo) during a 27–6 loss at theCarolina Panthers in Week 13.[28] On December 30, 2013, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Greg Schiano after they finished the season with a 4–12 record.[29] He finished the2013 season with 92 combined tackles (63 solo), seven pass deflections, three pass deflections, two interceptions, two sacks, and two touchdowns in 15 games and 13 starts.[18]
Foster entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker. Head coachLovie Smith named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, along with outside linebackers Lavonte David andJonathan Casillas.[30] Defensive coordinatorLeslie Frazier implemented a defense that deployed theTampa 2 which stressed the use of the middle linebacker in pass coverage.[31] On September 14, 2014, Foster recorded two solo tackles before exiting in the second quarter of the Buccaneers' 17–14 loss to theMiami Dolphins after injuring his shoulder. He was inactive for three games (Weeks 3–5) after it was confirmed he had dislocated his shoulder.[32] On November 9, 2014, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 27–17 loss to theAtlanta Falcons in Week 10. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 14–15) after injuring hisAchilles tendon.[33] Foster was sidelined for the Buccaneers' Week 17 loss to theNew Orleans Saints after aggravating his Achilles tendon injury.[34] He finished the2014 season with 62 combined tackles (40 solo) and two pass deflections in ten games and ten starts.[18]
“Mason is a tough, physical, smart inside linebacker. He sees plays develop. He plays downhill and he’s a very strong tackler at the point of impact. The good thing about Mason is not only can he play in the4–3 as a Mike or a Sam, but he can play in the3–4 at either middle linebacker spot. He has versatility to play for just about any defense in the league. I don’t think people realize how smart he is. He really does understand defenses. He can make the calls, get guys lined up. That’s a very valuable thing when you look at middle linebackers.”[31]
Foster became anunrestricted free agent in 2015 and received interest from the Chicago Bears andSan Francisco 49ers.[35]
On March 24, 2015, theChicago Bears signed Foster to a one-year, $825,000 contract that includes $250,000 guaranteed and asigning bonus of $80,000.[36][37]
Defensive coordinatorVic Fangio held an open competition to name starting inside linebackers. Foster competed againstJon Bostic,Shea McClellin,Sam Acho, andChristian Jones.[38] On September 4, 2015, the Chicago Bears waived Foster as part of their final roster cuts.[39]
On September 29, 2015, theWashington Redskins signed Foster to a one-year, $745,000 contract.[40][12] Head coachJay Gruden named Foster the backup inside linebacker to start the regular season, behindPerry Riley andKeenan Robinson.[41]
On December 7, 2015, Foster earned his first start of the season and recorded seven combined tackles during a 19–16 loss to theDallas Cowboys onMonday Night Football.[42] Foster started the last five games of the regular season (Weeks 13–17) after Perry Riley broke the fifthmetatarsal in his foot and underwent surgery.[43][44] In Week 16, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the Redskins' 38–24 win at thePhiladelphia Eagles. He finished the2015 season with 37 combined tackles (25 solo) in 13 games and five starts.[18]
TheWashington Redskins finished first in theNFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On January 10, 2016, Foster started in his first career playoff game and recorded nine combined tackles in the Redskins' 35–18 loss to theGreen Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard Game.[45]
On March 9, 2016, the Washington Redskins signed Foster to a two-year, $2.50 million contract with a signing bonus of $350,000.[12]
Throughout training camp, Foster competed against Perry Riley to be the starting inside linebacker.[46] Head coach Jay Gruden named Foster andWill Compton the starting inside linebackers to begin the regular season in 2016, along with outside linebackersRyan Kerrigan andPreston Smith.[47]
He started in theWashington Redskins' season-opener against thePittsburgh Steelers and recorded 14 combined tackles (nine solo) in their 38–16 loss.[48] On January 1, 2017, Foster collected a career-high 17 combined tackles (15 solo) during a 19–10 loss to theNew York Giants in Week 17.[49] He finished the2016 season with 124 combined tackles (89 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 13 starts.[50]
On January 5, 2017, the Washington Redskins fired defensive coordinatorJoe Barry.[51] During training camp, Foster competed to be a starting inside linebacker against Will Compton.[52] Head coach Jay Gruden named Foster andZach Brown the starting inside linebackers to begin the regular season, along with outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.[53]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Mason Foster intercepts Jared Goff to sea the game | |
| Foster recovers fumble on bad pass by Carson Wentz |
He started in theWashington Redskins' season-opener against thePhiladelphia Eagles and collected a season-high nine combined tackles and recovered aCarson Wentz fumble in the first quarter of their 30–17 loss.[54] On September 17, 2017, Foster made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Rams' quarterbackJared Goff late in the fourth quarter of the 27–20 victory at theLos Angeles Rams in Week 2.[55] He was inactive during the Redskins' Week 3 victory against theOakland Raiders due to a shoulder injury.[56] On October 28, 2017, the Washington Redskins officially placed Foster on injured reserve due to a torn labrum he sustained in Week 2.[57] He finished the season with 31 combined tackles (22 solo), a pass deflection, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in five games and four starts.[58]
On January 25, 2018, Foster signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract.[12][59] In Week 8, Foster collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 20–13 win at theNew York Giants.[60] Foster started in all 16 games in 2018, and recorded a career-high 131 combined tackles (81 solo), four pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack.[61] Foster was released by the team on July 23, 2019.[62]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2011 | TAM | 16 | 15 | 84 | 58 | 26 | 2.0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | TAM | 16 | 16 | 106 | 82 | 24 | 2.0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2013 | TAM | 15 | 13 | 92 | 63 | 29 | 2.0 | 6 | 3 | 122 | 2 | 85 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | TAM | 10 | 10 | 62 | 40 | 22 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | WAS | 13 | 5 | 37 | 25 | 12 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | WAS | 16 | 13 | 124 | 89 | 35 | 1.0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | WAS | 5 | 4 | 31 | 22 | 9 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 131 | 81 | 50 | 1.0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 107 | 92 | 667 | 460 | 207 | 8.5 | 41 | 8 | 136 | 2 | 85 | 20 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 0 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2015 | WAS | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
