Raheem Mostert

When you think of the San Francisco 49ers, your mind may jump to stars like Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle, or Richard Sherman. But there’s one player who may not be as high-profile as those big names, but who has played a vital role in the 49ers’ success this season: running back Raheem Mostert.

Mostert, a 27-year-old from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has been in the NFL since 2015 but hadn’t really made a name for himself until this year. He’s played for a few different teams, mostly on special teams, but when he was picked up by the 49ers in November of 2016, things started to click.

Mostert started to see more playing time in 2018, but it wasn’t until this season that he really shone. In week 2, he had a 146-yard, one touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, which turned a lot of heads. But it wasn’t until the NFC title game against the Green Bay Packers that he really cemented his status as a rising star.

In that game, Mostert rushed for a whopping 220 yards and four touchdowns, breaking records left and right. He became the first player in NFL history to have 200+ rushing yards and four touchdowns in a playoff game. And he did it all on just 29 carries, an average of 7.6 yards per carry.

Not only was this a stunning individual performance, but it helped secure the 49ers’ spot in Super Bowl LIV. Mostert’s emergence as a top-tier running back has been a huge boon to the team, especially given the injuries that the running back corps has dealt with this year.

But Mostert’s success isn’t just due to his own talent; it’s also thanks to the 49ers’ impressive offensive line. Mostert himself has acknowledged this, frequently thanking his teammates for their role in his achievements. It’s clear that the line takes pride in opening up running lanes for their backs, and they’ve been crucial in allowing Mostert to do what he does best.

Off the field, Mostert is known for his positive attitude and outlook. He’s been quoted as saying that he “never wants to take a play off,” and that he’s always looking to improve. He’s also been an advocate for mental health awareness, frequently sharing posts on social media about the importance of self-care and self-love.

Mostert’s road to stardom hasn’t been an easy one. He went undrafted out of Purdue in 2015, and had a few stints on practice squads before finally getting a chance to play consistently with the 49ers. But now, he’s proving that he’s more than just a special teams player; he’s a force to be reckoned with on the field.

As the 49ers head to Miami for the Super Bowl, much of the attention will be on bigger names like Garoppolo and Kittle. But don’t sleep on Raheem Mostert. He may not have the same name recognition as some of his teammates, but he’s a crucial part of the team’s success, both on and off the field.

When the 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs on February 2, don’t be surprised if Mostert is once again breaking records and carrying his team to victory. He may be the unsung hero of the San Francisco 49ers, but he’s a hero nonetheless.