Armon Mason worked his way from Clemson’s scout team to a scholarship, fighting through injuries to earn another opportunity on the field. Now, the sixth-year defensive end is bringing his playing career to a close.
Mason announced his medical retirement Monday on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt message about the physical challenges that ultimately forced his decision. Dabo Swinney confirmed last week that a lingering leg injury would prevent Mason from continuing to play.
“Recently, I had to make one of the harder decisions in my life to medically retire from football,” Mason wrote. “A lot of ups and downs, specifically the last almost three years with my playing health. I convinced myself I could outrun it but my body and mind finally caught
up to me.”
Injuries kept Mason sidelined for the entire 2023 and 2025 seasons. He returned this fall and played 19 combined snaps in the Tigers’ first two games, recording a tackle in the opener at LSU.
His medical hardship will allow him to retain his scholarship and remain with the team through the season.
Mason arrived at Clemson as a walk-on in 2021 after initially committing to Mississippi Valley State. Following a redshirt season, he appeared in six games in 2022. His most productive season came in 2024, when he recorded seven tackles, including 2.5 for loss, across nine appearances.
Although his opportunities were limited, Mason’s persistence earned Swinney’s appreciation.
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“You talk about an amazing kid,” Swinney said last Wednesday, “and really proud of his effort that he put in.”
For Mason, the relationships built throughout his Clemson career were a central part of his farewell.
“Over these years I got to do what I loved with people, I didn’t know at 17, were going to become brothers for life,” he wrote.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson defensive lineman announces retirement from football
