How is Jordan Mason approaching his opportunity with the Vikings?

Jordan Mason is a man of few words.

ADVERTISEMENT None of the answers from the 25-year-old running back were long on Thursday afternoon as he talked to reporters for the first time since being acquired by the Vikings in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

That said, Mason still managed to get his point across, especially when it came to how he was approaching his opportunity with the Vikings.

Asked what appealed to him about the offense that head coach Kevin OConnell runs, Mason replied, I love that he wants to give me the ball.

Theres no doubt about that.

Lets just say its not a coincidence that the Vikings added Mason to the backfield after last season, when veteran running back Aaron Jones logged a career-high 306 touches.

The style that Mason brings to the table will be a nice complement to Jones in the backfield.

ADVERTISEMENT You earn respect by hitting somebody in the mouth, Mason said in reference to the physicality that he brings when the ball in his hands.

I guess it came from not really having too much speed.

Youve got to do something to get here.

That was something I picked up early on.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Mason forced a missed tackle on 37 percent of his carries last season, according to Next Gen Stats, which was the best rate in the NFL among players with at least 150 carries.

Though he showcased his shiftiness in the open field from time to time, Mason usually forced those missed tackles simply by bulldozing opposing players at the point of attack.

The power that Mason possesses in his 5-foot-11, 225-pound frame is something the Vikings could certainly use on offense, especially near the goal line, where they have often seemed allergic to asking a running back to score.

In total, Mason finished with 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns with the 49ers last season, doing most of his damage while filling in for star running back Christian McCaffrey, who missed an extended period of time due to injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Not bad considering Mason originally went undrafted out of Georgia Tech.

Why does he think every team in the NFL passed on him multiple times? They cant see this, Mason said pointing to his chest.

They cant see the heart that people have in them.

That heart has been on display as Mason has essentially forced his way into the rotation for the 49ers and now figures to play an important role for the Vikings as they set their sights on the Super Bowl.

ADVERTISEMENT Since finding out he was being traded to the Vikings, Mason has already connected with Jones, fullback C.J.

Ham and a few players on the offensive line.

And hes looking forward to the next chapter.

They told me they want me to be myself, Mason said.

Thats what Im going to do.

Theres not much else to say other than that.

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