Born in Tulsa, Mahan attended Jenks High School of Jenks, Oklahoma and graduated in 1998. He led the football team to four conference titles and three regional titles; he was also a two-time All-City and All-Conference selection. As a senior, Mahan was team captain and MVP.[1]
Mahan was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (168th overall) in the 2003 NFL draft and was one of four Notre Dame offensive linemen drafted that year.[3]
In his rookie year, Mahan wore jersey number 78 and made most of his appearances on special teams.[1][4] Mahan made his NFL debut at the Atlanta Falcons on September 21.[1] In 2004, Mahan wore jersey number 79 and took over as center for the injured John Wade.[4][5] The offensive line weakened in 2004; by late November, the line allowed 27 sacks, 4 more than the 2003 total of 23.[6] Throughout the next three seasons, Mahan played in every single game for the Buccaneers and in 2005 was part of the offensive line that helped Cadillac Williams to the NFL Rookie of the Year.[1][4]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On March 10, 2007, Mahan signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers to a five-year, $17 million deal.[7] Mahan started all 16 regular season games and the AFC Wild Card game.[1]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (second stint)
After a disappointing year at center for the Steelers, and the signing of free agent Justin Hartwig, on September 2, 2008, Mahan was traded back to the Buccaneers for a 7th round 2009 NFL draft pick.[8] He was informed of his release on September 2, 2009. He was re-signed on September 14. He was released again on October 27.
