Raheem Mostert was a key component in the 49ers’ 2019 Super Bowl run, which is why it seemed strange when quotes surfaced last week that seemed to show the Dolphins running back throwing shade at Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco organization.
According to tweets from Tyler Dunne who wrote a piece on the Miami Dolphins in which Mostert was quoted, Mostert said the following when comparing Miami to San Francisco and Tua Tagovailoa to Jimmy Garoppolo:
“We have way more talent here,” Mostert said. “It’s going to get spooky.”
When comparing Garoppolo to current Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Mostert said:
“We have a quarterback who can actually sling it.”
Except, that’s not how it went down at all according to Mostert. The former 49ers running back joined KNBR on Tuesday and said that his quotes had nothing to do with any comparisons to the 49ers, and that the writer incorrectly framed what he said.
“The initial report was specifically talking about Tua and his success,” Mostert told Papa & F.P. “When I was being asked those questions, I was looking at it from the view of what Tua had done and what Tua had dealt with in the past. In regard to the ‘we have more talent here’, I was speaking in terms of we have more talent here in this moment than what has been here in the past.
“I could see how that could get misconstrued just because they only take certain snippets out of what one person said and alter it so it just seems like it’s relevant because I’m on a different team. That’s not what I meant.
“I was with the Niners for several years and I know what the talent is. There’s unbelievable talent on both sides of the ball and special teams. I’m wasn’t trying to take shots on anyone.”
Regarding Jimmy G, Mostert was adamant that he would never insult his former quarterback. In addition to having respect for him as a player, Mostert said the two — and their families — are very close.
“I would never, ever in a million years talk down on a player, specifically a guy like Jimmy, because we’ve grown together, all those years that I was there,” Mostert said. “My family and his family. My family is like his family. I’ve been to his brother’s wedding. His sister-in-law and my wife are the best of friends, and my wife can’t wait to be in San Francisco to meet up with her this weekend.”
Kudos to Mostert for taking the time to clear the air. It’s the type of thing that will make 49ers fans feel good about cheering on the running back when he makes his return to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
Listen to the full interview below. You can listen to every KNBR interview on our podcast page at knbr.com/podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Catch Papa & Lund weekdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on KNBR 104.5 / 680 and streaming live on KNBR.com.