MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Derek Mason didn't know he'd get emotional when the Daily News Journal's Cecil Joyce asked him what it meant to be on the field coaching fall camp again.
After a year away from the sport in the world of television, Mason's voice shook with emotion recounting his gratefulness to be with his Blue Raider team for the first day of practice ahead of the 2024 season.
"Man, I didn't think I'd be emotional on that type of question," Mason said. "But you look at it and the reality of it is a blessing.