Being in the NFL spotlight can be difficult. At times, fans will only see someone as a player and not necessarily as a person, as if they are watching a video game representation of a player, only hoping that player can boost their fantasy football teams.
Running back Raheem Mostert expected big things from his 2020 campaign. Fans did, too. The strangeness of 2020 has thrown that into disarray, which isn't Mostert's fault. Adding to the challenges is him being separated from his family members for most of the season, only seeing them for a short time so he could be present for the birth of his second son. The running back is trying to keep his family safe and less exposed to the dangers of COVID-19.
"For me, personally, it's been a struggle not having my little family -- sorry if I get emotional, but it's really tough, and I miss them so much," Mostert shared in November. "And it's a fight out here every day. You're fighting for your life, and I just want people to understand that. It's not just football players. It's the whole organization. It's everybody. People have to make sacrifices out here. I sacrificed by leaving my family behind, so that way, I can make a living for them."
Mostert has been trying to stay on the football field but has missed six games due to injuries — two games with an MCL sprain and four with a high-ankle sprain. He appeared to re-aggravate his ankle against Washington and then again on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Mostert appears to be frustrated with a certain segment of social media, calling out some NFL fans who may be blaming the running back for things that are out of his control or things that he doesn't necessarily care about, like their fantasy teams. Nor should he care about that.
It's not entirely clear which comments prompted the response from Mostert, but you can certainly understand the running back's frustration. Below is a sample of his tweets from Monday, following the 49ers' 41-33 loss to the Dallas Cowboys over the weekend.
People really think they're 'big and bad' with these Twitter fingers.
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
Do you really think players get hurt on purpose?!! Like we want to spend MONTHS in rehab NOT doing what we love?
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
The disrespect is out of control.
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
And for the millionth time, PLAYERS DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM. This is our real life.
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
Bottom line is — BE RESPECTFUL TO EVERYONE. Always. Disrespect gets you NOWHERE.
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
And that's why we appreciate you and you're continued loyalty/support! Thank you! https://t.co/Dyb73xM5DI
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) December 21, 2020
Mostert has carried the football 104 times for 521 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding 16 catches for 156 receiving yards and a receiving score through eight games this season.