Mason Tipton Bio
Mason Tipton is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 27, 2000, in Akron, Ohio, Tipton attended Archbishop Hoban High School where he was a three-time state football champion. He went on to play college football at Yale University from 2019 to 2023, where he became one of the most prolific receivers in school history. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tipton signed with the Saints and earned a spot on their roster through impressive performance during training camp.
Early Life and Background
Mason Tipton grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he attended Archbishop Hoban High School. At Hoban, he was a three-sport athlete, competing in football and baseball. His dominance on the football field was evident as he helped lead his team to three state championships during his high school career. His success at the high school level attracted attention from multiple college programs.
Tipton ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Yale University, turning down an offer from Kent State to play for the Yale Bulldogs. His decision to attend an Ivy League school demonstrated his commitment to balancing athletics with academics. At Yale, he would develop into one of the conference’s top receivers.
Path to the NFL
Before arriving at Yale, Tipton had established himself as a highly decorated high school athlete in Ohio. His three state championships and standout performance at Archbishop Hoban made him an attractive prospect for college programs seeking talented receivers who could contribute immediately at the next level.
After his impressive college career, Tipton entered the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his production at Yale, he went undrafted. However, his college success and measurable traits drew interest from multiple teams. After meeting with both the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, Tipton chose to sign with the Saints as an undrafted free agent. He also received selection from the Memphis Showboats in the UFL Draft but opted to pursue his NFL opportunity instead.
Mason Tipton Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Mason Tipton played for the Yale Bulldogs from 2019 to 2023, appearing in 36 games and making 33 starts. His consistency and reliability as a receiver made him a key component of Yale’s passing offense throughout his career. He developed strong chemistry with his quarterbacks and became a go-to target in crucial situations.
His senior season in 2023 proved to be his most impressive. Tipton was named a unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selection, recognizing his exceptional performance against the conference’s top competition. He finished his Yale career third in school history in career receiving touchdowns with 19, fifth in career receptions with 132, and sixth in career receiving yards with 2,067. He also earned second-team All-Ivy League honors following his junior season in 2021.
New Orleans Saints Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Tipton signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite growing up as a fan of the Cleveland Browns, he chose to sign with the Saints after meeting with representatives from both teams. He reported to training camp with an opportunity to earn a roster spot among a competitive group of receivers.
His performance during training camp caught the attention of the coaching staff. Head coach Dennis Allen compared Tipton to former undrafted free agent and All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr., whom Allen had coached during his time as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. The comparison highlighted Tipton’s ability to exceed expectations despite not being drafted. He survived the roster cuts and secured a spot on the Saints’ initial 53-man roster.
As a rookie in 2024, Tipton appeared in 11 games with one start, recording 14 catches for 99 yards. His contributions came primarily as a supplementary receiver in the Saints’ offensive scheme. Moving into the 2025 season, he continued his role as one of the team’s auxiliary wide receivers while also contributing as a kick returner.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tipton has established himself as a reliable possession receiver with sure hands and consistent route-running ability. His performance at Yale demonstrated his capability to make contested catches and find open spaces in coverage. The comparison to Chris Harris Jr. by Saints coaches reflected their appreciation for his competitive nature and ability to exceed expectations despite being an undrafted player.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Tipton’s young career came when he made the Saints’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024. This achievement validated his belief that he could compete at the NFL level despite not hearing his name called during the draft. His immediate impact on special teams and as a receiver provided the Saints with valuable depth at the position.
Mason Tipton Career Statistics
Throughout his football career, Tipton has accumulated impressive statistics at both the college and professional levels. His production at Yale placed him among the school’s all-time greats, while his early NFL numbers show promise for continued development.
College Highlights
At Yale, Tipton appeared in 36 games over five seasons, making 33 starts. He ranks third all-time in school history with 19 career receiving touchdowns. His 132 career receptions rank fifth in program history, and his 2,067 career receiving yards place him sixth in the Yale record books. The consistency of his production across multiple seasons demonstrated his reliability as a collegiate receiver.
NFL Career Statistics
Through his first two seasons with the Saints, Tipton has appeared in 25 games. He has recorded 25 total receptions for 175 receiving yards. His rookie season saw him make 14 catches for 99 yards, while his second season included 11 catches for 76 yards. He also contributed as a kick returner during the 2025 season.
| Competition Level | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2024–2025) | 25 | 25 | 175 | 0 |
| College (Yale) | 36 | 132 | 2,067 | 19 |
Mason Tipton Family
Family Background
Mason Tipton is the son of Lawrence Tipton and Angela Tipton. His father, Lawrence Tipton, played college football at the University of Akron, giving Mason a family connection to football and the Akron area where he grew up. This football background in his family likely contributed to his development as an athlete.
His parents faced legal challenges that became public. Lawrence Tipton was sentenced to two years in federal prison, and Angela Tipton was placed on four months of home confinement and probation after both parents pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in federal court. These circumstances occurred during Mason’s professional career.
Personal Life
Tipton continues to pursue his NFL career following his family’s legal situation. He maintains a professional approach to his football career while navigating personal challenges. His ability to make an NFL roster as an undrafted player demonstrated his resilience and focus on his athletic career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Mason Tipton continue his role as a depth receiver for the New Orleans Saints. He appeared in 14 games during the season, recording 11 catches for 76 yards. In addition to his receiving duties, Tipton also served as a kick returner for the team, providing value on special teams units.
The Saints utilized Tipton primarily as one of their auxiliary wide receivers throughout the season. His ability to contribute on special teams made him a valuable member of the roster, as teams often prioritize players who can provide value in multiple phases of the game.
Unfortunately, the season ended on injured reserve for Tipton. On January 2, 2026, the Saints placed him on season-ending injured reserve due to a groin injury. The injury cut short his second professional season and will require recovery time during the offseason. His performance before the injury showed continued development as an NFL receiver, and the Saints will look to have him healthy and competing for a roster spot in the 2026 season.