Running back Raheem Mostert was emotional following the 49ers' 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Despite the victory, behind his mask were tears. He missed his family.
"It's really tough, and I miss them so much, and it's a fight out here every day, you're fighting for your life,” Mostert said.
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It really resonated with NBC Sports Bay Area analyst and former 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes.
“The most important thing that he mentioned was, ‘The reason why I do what I do -- and I’m paraphrasing -- ‘I made this sacrifice so I could take care of my family,’” Spikes said.
Spikes said Mostert’s emotions “speak volumes” for the rest of the guys, but not just in the NFL.
“Everybody who is a professional athlete who has to put their life at risk, but it says a lot about the grit, the desire, that he has a player,” Spikes added.
San Francisco 49ers
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Mostert is away from his wife, Devon, and their two young children while the season occurs. His family is staying back in Ohio rather than relocate to the Bay Area due to COVID-19 concerns for their kids.
Many athletes have been separated from their families across sports amid the pandemic. They're all making a sacrifice in uncertain times that goes beyond the game itself.