MINNEAPOLIS - Running back Tommy Mason, the first draft pick in Minnesota Vikings history, has died. He was 75.Masons sister-in-law, Suzanne MacNeil, told The Associated Press that Mason died peacefully Thursday at his home in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Karen, by his side.We just adored him, and he adored my sister, MacNeil said.No cause of death was given, but Mason sustained multiple concussions during his playing career, MacNeil said, and was part of the 88 Plan. Thats the program created in the honour of former NFL player John Mackey, who wore No. 88 for the Baltimore Colts and died in 2011 after a long fight with dementia. The 88 Plan, part of the NFL labour agreement in 2006, was devised to provide up to $88,000 annually for care for former players with dementia or Alzheimers.The Vikings took Mason out of Tulane with the first overall selection in 1961. The native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, played six of his 11 NFL seasons with the Vikings and became their first All-Pro player in 1963. He also was picked for three Pro Bowls.Mason is eighth on the teams all-time rushing list with 3,252 yards and ninth with 39 touchdowns. He also was a kickoff and punt returner.Tommy was an enormous talent. He was a great player, a humble man and an outstanding teammate. I will always cherish the years I spent with Tommy, former quarterback Fran Tarkenton said in a statement distributed by the Vikings.Mason went on to play four years with the Los Angeles Rams and his final season with the Washington Redskins. He finished his NFL career with 4,203 yards rushing and 2,324 yards receiving with 45 total touchdowns. He earned a law degree after his career was over.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Nike Air Max 270 Womens Clearance .com) - His team lost in the round of 16 of the FCS playoffs, yet Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley says his team has made a strong case to be voted to the top 5 in the final rankings. Nike Air Max 270 Womens Discount . Of all the names out there who could realistically be dealt by Wednesdays deadline, Ryan Kesler remains No. 1 on the most desired list. And while were not sure if theyre any closer to a deal, we now have a defined price. http://www.max270cheap.com/air-max-270-mens-sale.html.C. -- Martin Kaymer set a U. Nike Air Max 270 React Black . -- The Denver Broncos locked up a shutdown cornerback, only his name wasnt Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Nike Air Max 270 React Triple Black . John Albert Elway, 24, was booked into jail early Saturday morning after an incident near a college campus in downtown Denver, according to jail records.PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The New York Mets say an MRI on pitcher Jon Nieses ailing left shoulder did not show any major problems. Projected to be the Mets opening-day starter, Niese had been scratched from his opening exhibition start, against Houston next Tuesday, and replaced by Zack Wheeler. Mets manager Terry Collins says the club will have Niese back on the mound, "as soon as we can." "Theres no shoulder problems at all," Collins said Thursday. "Hes got some weakness in his scap (scapula) area that is minor. They think in a few days hell be back and ready to go. It was very, very good news." Niese was sent back to New York for the MRI on Wednesday after he complained of shoulder pain.dddddddddddd NOTES: Mets pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard allowed one run and struck out five in two innings of work in Blue-Orange intrasquad game, which primarily featured the clubs minor league players. The Blue Team won 5-2. Dillon Gee allowed two runs and five hits and struck out two in 1 2-3 innings and took the loss. Gee said he felt good but was struggling to throw his slider and changeup for strikes. Andrew Brown and Danny Muno hit home runs. ... Tom Gamboa will manage the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets short-season A affiliate. Tom Signore will be the Cyclones pitching coach and Benny Distefano will serve as hitting coach. ' ' '