Jan. 4, 2009

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Six former Michigan State players - Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney, Miami punter Brandon Fields and free safety Renaldo Hill, Minnesota linebacker David Herron and Carolina wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad - are scheduled to participate in the 2009 NFL Playoffs. Fiver former Spartans, representing three different teams (Baltimore, Miami and Minnesota), will be in action Wild Card Sunday (Jan. 4). Next weekend, another former Spartan will begin postseason action as Carolina plays host to a Divisional Playoff game.

The 5-foot-10, 192-pound Mason started all 16 regular-season games for the Ravens and ranked among the AFC leaders in receiving yards (eighth with 1,037) and receptions (10th with 80). He also had five touchdown receptions. The 12-year pro recorded his seventh 1,000-yard receiving season. Mason had two 100-yard receiving games in 2008, including nine catches for 136 yards and a score in Baltimore's 37-27 victory at Cleveland. He caught eight passes for 137 yards in Week 4 at Pittsburgh.

The 6-2, 324-pound McKinney appeared in 11 regular-season games for Baltimore and produced 11 tackles (9 solos, 2 assists). He posted three solo stops in the Ravens' 27-7 victory over Jacksonville in the regular-season finale.

The 6-5, 236-pound Fields ranked ninth in the AFC with his 43.9-yard punting average (74 punts for 3,249 yards). He placed 24 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, good for sixth in the AFC. Fields averaged 45.8 yards on five punts in Week 9 at Denver, including a career-long 71-yarder. He averaged 47.4 yards on seven punts in Week 6 at Houston.

Renaldo Hill recorded 77 tackles and three interceptions in 2008.

The 5-11, 205-pound Hill started 15 of 16 regular-season games for Miami and recorded 77 tackles (62 solos, 15 assists) and three interceptions. He tallied a season-high 11 tackles and a pass break-up in the Dolphins' 14-9 victory over San Francisco. Hill registered nine stops in Week 6 at Houston.

The 6-1, 239-pound Herron appeared in 14 regular-season games for Minnesota, including three starting assignments. He posted 14 tackles in 2008, including 12 solo hits. Herron made a career-best three tackles in his first professional start at Tennessee.

The 6-2, 215-pound Muhammad started 15 of 16 regular-season games for Carolina and caught 65 passes for 923 yards (14.2 avg.) and five TDs. He set season highs with eight receptions for 147 yards, including a 36-yard TD grab, in the Panthers' 24-9 victory over Atlanta.