Clemson Defensive End Armon Mason Medically Retires
Clemson defensive end Armon Mason announced on November 2 that he is medically retiring after six seasons with the Tigers, citing ongoing health struggles.
Armon Mason, a sixth-year Clemson defensive end, is ending his football career because of medical concerns. He announced his decision on social media on November 2, a week after coach Dabo Swinney said lingering leg injuries would keep him out for the rest of the season.
Mason said he had faced nearly three years of difficulties with his playing health and had believed he could push past them, but eventually his body and mind could not continue. He appeared in games against LSU and Georgia Southern this season and recorded a tackle against LSU in Clemson’s season opener.
Swinney said the team had not expected Mason to return this fall, making his ability to get back on the field notable. Mason joined Clemson as a walk-on in 2021 after initially committing to Mississippi Valley State. He redshirted his first year, then played in six games the following season, recording six tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
In 2024, Mason appeared in nine games, but injuries continued to disrupt his career. He later earned a scholarship at Clemson. Swinney said he was glad Mason had been able to play again, while noting that injuries can bring a career to an end in football.