Raheem Mostert
Raheem Mostert is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born Dominique Raheem Mostert on April 9, 1992, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, he attended New Smyrna Beach High School and played college football at Purdue University, where he primarily contributed as a return specialist and wide receiver. Undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mostert signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent his early professional years bouncing between practice squads and brief stints with teams including the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers.[1] Mostert's breakthrough came with the 49ers, where he transitioned to a prominent running back role starting in 2017, showcasing elite speed and explosiveness en route to a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 during his later tenure with the Dolphins. His signature performance occurred in the 2019 NFC Championship Game, where he rushed for a playoff-record 220 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries, helping the 49ers advance to Super Bowl LIV. As of November 2025, Mostert has amassed 3,875 rushing yards on 776 attempts with 34 touchdowns, along with 947 receiving yards and 10 receiving scores, establishing himself as a versatile and durable back despite early career instability.[1][2] After rejoining the Dolphins in 2022, Mostert enjoyed his most prolific season in 2023, leading the NFL with 21 total touchdowns (18 rushing) and 1,012 rushing yards, setting franchise records in the process before signing a one-year deal with the Raiders in March 2025. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and weighing 212 pounds (96 kg), Mostert provides veteran depth in the Raiders' backfield as of November 2025, bringing experience and big-play ability to the team.[3][4][1]Early years
Early life
Raheem Mostert was born on April 9, 1992, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.[5] Mostert grew up in a turbulent household marked by the absence of his biological father, whom he never knew, as well as pervasive domestic violence and alcoholism.[6][7] His family frequently relocated between apartments in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach due to financial instability and surrounding gang violence.[8] As a toddler around age three, Mostert accidentally shot himself in the foot with a gun his stepfather had purchased following a gang invasion of their home, resulting in a permanently stunted toe.[9] Later, in 2014, his stepfather shot Mostert's half-brother multiple times during a domestic altercation, leading to the stepfather's 10-year prison sentence.[9] To cope with the chaos at home, Mostert turned to sports as an outlet and escape, immersing himself in football, surfing, skateboarding, and track from a young age.[8] These activities provided structure and relief amid the instability, with New Smyrna Beach's coastal environment fostering his passion for surfing in particular.[10] On January 25, 2011, Mostert orally committed to Purdue University as a dual-sport recruit for both football and track and field, forgoing planned visits to other schools like Rutgers and Indiana.[11]High school career
Raheem Mostert attended New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he participated in football and track and field as a multi-sport athlete.[12] In football, Mostert played wide receiver and defensive back, helping lead the Barracudas to two playoff berths during his high school tenure. As a senior in 2010, he tallied 39 receptions for 723 yards with an average of 18.5 yards per catch and four touchdowns on offense, while recording 81 tackles on defense.[12] His versatility extended to special teams, where he returned nine kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns over his career.[13] Mostert earned MVP honors in the 2010 Central Florida All-Star Game, catching three passes for nearly 100 yards and scoring on a 94-yard kickoff return.[12] On the track, Mostert specialized in sprints and hurdles, winning the 2010 FHSAA 3A Region 2 title in the 300-meter hurdles after claiming the District 6 championship earlier that year.[14] At the 2011 FHSAA 3A Outdoor State Finals, he captured first place in the 100-meter dash with a personal-best time of 10.68 seconds and finished fourth in the 300-meter hurdles in 37.96 seconds.[15] Mostert also competed in the Florida North vs. South all-star football game following his senior season. Mostert's standout performances across sports secured him a full athletic scholarship to Purdue University, where he continued as a dual-sport athlete.[16]College career
Purdue Boilermakers
Raheem Mostert enrolled at Purdue University in 2011 and competed for the Boilermakers in both football and track and field through the 2014 season, often balancing demanding schedules across the two sports that limited his football participation early on.[17] As a true freshman in 2011, Mostert primarily contributed on special teams, setting a Purdue single-season record with a 33.5-yard average on kickoff returns while accumulating 837 yards, the second-most in school history for a season; this included a 99-yard touchdown return in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl victory over Western Michigan.[18][19][20] His track commitments restricted him to just 16 rushing attempts that year, despite showing promise as a versatile athlete. On the track, Mostert specialized in sprinting events and achieved significant success in 2014, winning gold medals in the 60-meter dash (6.63 seconds, a Purdue record) and 200-meter dash (20.73 seconds, a Big Ten championships record) at the Big Ten Indoor Championships; he later added outdoor titles in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships.[21][22] These accomplishments highlighted his elite speed, earning him recognition as the Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships.[23] By his senior year in 2014, Mostert transitioned to a more prominent role on the football team, starting five games and recording 93 carries for 529 yards and three touchdowns while continuing to excel in track.[24] During his time at Purdue, he met his future wife, Devon Beckwith, a soccer player who also attended the university from 2011 to 2014.[17] Following the 2014 season, Mostert departed Purdue as a track-football hybrid athlete, declaring for the NFL Draft where his speed from both sports positioned him as an intriguing undrafted prospect.[25]College statistics
During his college career at Purdue from 2011 to 2014, Raheem Mostert recorded overall rushing statistics of 136 carries for 759 yards and 6 touchdowns, receiving statistics of 19 receptions for 122 yards and 0 touchdowns, and kick return statistics of 88 returns for 2,289 yards and 2 touchdowns.[26]Rushing Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12 | 16 | 108 | 6.8 | 2 |
| 2012 | 8 | 16 | 85 | 5.3 | 1 |
| 2013 | 12 | 11 | 37 | 3.4 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 93 | 529 | 5.7 | 3 |
| Career Total | 44 | 136 | 759 | 5.6 | 6 |
Receiving Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 |
| 2012 | 8 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 |
| 2013 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 18 | 116 | 6.4 | 0 |
| Career Total | 44 | 19 | 122 | 6.4 | 0 |
Kick Return Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Returns | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12 | 25 | 837 | 33.5 | 1 |
| 2012 | 8 | 18 | 463 | 25.7 | 0 |
| 2013 | 12 | 11 | 258 | 23.5 | 1 |
| 2014 | 12 | 34 | 731 | 21.5 | 0 |
| Career Total | 44 | 88 | 2,289 | 26.0 | 2 |
Professional career
Philadelphia Eagles
Raheem Mostert signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2015, shortly after the conclusion of the 2015 NFL Draft.[27] His track and field background from Purdue, where he specialized in sprinting, contributed to his exceptional speed—highlighted by a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—but limited college production as a running back factored into his undrafted status.[28] During the 2015 training camp and preseason, Mostert adjusted to the professional level by showcasing versatility as a running back and special teams contributor. He led all NFL players in preseason scrimmage yards with 351, accumulating 157 rushing yards on 39 carries (4.0 yards per attempt) and adding 194 receiving yards on 17 catches.[29] In the Eagles' preseason finale against the New York Jets on September 3, Mostert rushed 15 times for 69 yards and caught eight passes for 93 yards, earning praise for his burst and vision.[30] He also opened a Week 3 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers with a 62-yard kickoff return, demonstrating his value on special teams.[31] These performances helped him impress the coaching staff, including head coach Chip Kelly, as he competed for a depth role amid a crowded running back group.[32] Despite his strong showings, Mostert was waived by the Eagles on September 5, 2015, as part of final roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit.[27] He cleared waivers and was signed to the team's practice squad on September 6, 2015, where he continued to develop without appearing in any regular-season games that year.[33] This brief stint marked Mostert's introduction to NFL routines, including the physical demands and scheme adjustments that tested his transition from college.[34]Miami Dolphins (first stint)
On September 15, 2015, the Miami Dolphins signed Mostert to their active 53-man roster from the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.[12] Mostert made his NFL debut in the Dolphins' Week 2 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 20, 2015, where he served as a kick returner and recorded two returns for 57 yards (25 and 32 yards).[35][36] He did not see further action with the team and was waived on October 13, 2015, as part of routine roster adjustments.[37]Baltimore Ravens
On October 14, 2015, the Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted rookie running back Raheem Mostert to their active roster off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, following the placement of running back Lorenzo Taliaferro on injured reserve with a season-ending foot injury.[38][39] Mostert spent the remainder of the 2015 season with Baltimore, appearing in seven games primarily as a special teams contributor focused on kickoff returns. In this role, he handled five kick returns for a total of 164 yards, averaging 32.8 yards per return, with his longest return reaching 50 yards; he did not record any rushes or receptions during his Ravens tenure.[1][35] The Ravens waived Mostert on December 15, 2015, as part of roster adjustments that included signing quarterback Ryan Mallett.[40]Cleveland Browns
Mostert was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns from the Baltimore Ravens on December 16, 2015.[41] He appeared in the final three games of the 2015 season for the Browns, primarily contributing on special teams with 12 kickoff returns for 309 yards.[42] As an exclusive rights free agent entering the 2016 offseason, Mostert received a one-year tender from the Browns on March 2, which he signed on March 7.[43] This contract secured his return to the team, where he continued to focus on special teams duties during training camp and preseason.[44] Mostert was waived by the Browns on September 4, 2016, as part of the team's final roster cuts ahead of the regular season.[45]New York Jets
Mostert joined the New York Jets' practice squad on September 6, 2016, shortly after being waived by the Cleveland Browns.[46][47] His time with the Jets was brief, lasting only one week before he was released on September 12, 2016.[46][48]Chicago Bears
Mostert joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad on September 13, 2016, shortly after his release from the New York Jets' practice squad.[46] He was promoted to the active roster on September 21, 2016, to provide depth at running back amid injuries.[49] During his time on the active roster, Mostert appeared in two games for the Bears in 2016 but did not record any statistics.[35] He was waived on October 3 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, before being released from the practice squad on November 24, 2016.[50]San Francisco 49ers
Mostert joined the San Francisco 49ers on November 28, 2016, when he was signed to the team's practice squad after being released from the Chicago Bears' practice squad earlier that month.[51] He was promoted to the active roster on December 31, 2016, and appeared in the final regular-season game against the Seattle Seahawks, where he recorded three kickoff returns for 68 yards. This marked his initial contribution primarily on special teams, building on prior experience with other franchises. In 2017, Mostert appeared in 11 games, primarily as a special teams player and backup running back, rushing six times for 30 yards.[1] His season ended prematurely when he suffered an MCL sprain in his knee during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 26, leading to his placement on injured reserve on November 29.[52] Mostert's role expanded slightly in 2018, where he played in nine games and handled 34 carries for 261 yards and one touchdown, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt.[1] However, a fractured forearm sustained against the Oakland Raiders on November 1 forced him onto injured reserve on November 2, ending his season.[53] Mostert signed a three-year contract extension with the 49ers on March 15, 2019, worth up to $8.7 million.[54] The 2019 season represented Mostert's breakout year, as he transitioned into a more prominent role in the 49ers' backfield alongside Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon.[55] In 16 games, he rushed 137 times for 772 yards and eight touchdowns, including a league-leading 5.6 yards per carry among qualified backs. His postseason performance was particularly notable, with explosive runs helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV. In the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers on January 19, 2020, Mostert rushed for a playoff-record 220 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries. In the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 2, 2020, he carried 12 times for 58 yards and one touchdown.[1][57] Injuries hampered Mostert in 2020, limiting him to eight games with 104 carries for 521 yards and two touchdowns.[1] He suffered an MCL sprain in Week 2, missing Weeks 3 and 4, before returning for Weeks 5 and 6. He then sustained a high-ankle sprain against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, which placed him on injured reserve on October 24; Mostert returned for Weeks 15 and 16.[58] Mostert's 2021 season ended almost immediately, as he suffered a knee injury (chipped cartilage requiring season-ending surgery) during the Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions on September 12, after just two carries for 20 yards; he was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter.[59] Over his six seasons with the 49ers from 2016 to 2021, Mostert evolved from a special teams specialist into a key component of the rushing attack, contributing to the team's NFC Championship wins in 2019 and 2021 while appearing in Super Bowl LIV.[1]Miami Dolphins (second stint)
Mostert returned to the Miami Dolphins on March 17, 2022, signing a one-year contract worth $2.125 million as an unrestricted free agent following his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.[60] In his first season back, he appeared in 16 games, rushing for 891 yards on 181 carries with three touchdowns, establishing himself as a key component of the Dolphins' backfield alongside Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin.[35] On March 15, 2023, the Dolphins re-signed Mostert to a two-year, $5.6 million contract, securing the 30-year-old running back through the 2024 season with incentives that could reach $7.6 million.[60] That year, Mostert enjoyed a breakout campaign, leading the NFL with 21 total touchdowns—including an NFL-high 18 rushing scores on 209 carries for 1,012 yards—while adding three receiving touchdowns on 25 catches for 175 yards across 15 games.[35] His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, recognizing his role in Miami's high-powered offense under head coach Mike McDaniel.[61] In March 2024, the Dolphins restructured Mostert's deal, adding an extra year through 2025 and increasing its value to up to $9.075 million, reflecting his contributions despite entering the final year of his prior contract.[62] However, the 2024 season proved challenging, as injuries—including a chest issue that sidelined him for multiple weeks early on, along with hip, knee, and ankle problems—limited him to 13 games, where he managed just 278 rushing yards on 85 carries and two touchdowns.[35][63] The Dolphins released Mostert on February 14, 2025, a move that freed approximately $2.9 million in salary cap space as the team managed its roster ahead of free agency.[64][65]Las Vegas Raiders
On March 13, 2025, Raheem Mostert signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders as an unrestricted free agent, shortly after being released by the Miami Dolphins on February 14, 2025.[66][64] The signing aimed to bolster the Raiders' backfield with veteran experience amid a youthful group of running backs, including rookies and second-year players seeking guidance on NFL demands.[67] Mostert began the 2025 season as a healthy scratch for the first two weeks, reflecting an initial adjustment period in Las Vegas' offense under new schemes emphasizing committee usage.[68] By Week 3, he transitioned into a rotational role behind primary backs, appearing in six games through Week 10 with 17 carries for 84 yards and no rushing touchdowns.[3] His limited offensive snaps focused on short-yardage situations and change-of-pace runs, averaging 4.9 yards per carry while integrating into blocking assignments and pass protection.[69] Beyond rushing, Mostert has provided value on special teams, handling kick returns with 13 attempts for 421 yards through Week 10, highlighted by a 40.4-yard average in the Raiders' Week 9 matchup.[70] No major injuries have sidelined him this season, allowing consistent depth contributions despite the Raiders' 2-7 record as of Week 10, 2025, and ongoing offensive line challenges.[12]NFL career statistics
Regular season
Raheem Mostert has appeared in 109 regular season games over his NFL career, accumulating 776 rushing attempts for 3,875 yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, for an average of 5.0 yards per carry.[1] He has also recorded 115 receptions for 937 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns.[1] In addition, Mostert has served as a kick returner with 66 returns for 1,613 yards and no touchdowns.[1] The table below details his regular season performance by year, updated through Week 10 of the 2025 season. Statistics include games played (G), rushing attempts (Att), rushing yards (Yds), rushing touchdowns (TD), yards per carry (Avg), receptions (Rec), receiving yards (Yds), receiving touchdowns (TD), kick return attempts (Att), kick return yards (Yds), and kick return touchdowns (TD).| Year | Team(s) | G | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rush Avg | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD | KR Att | KR Yds | KR TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3TM | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 530 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2TM | 3 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 0 |
| 2017 | SFO | 11 | 6 | 30 | 0 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 83 | 0 |
| 2018 | SFO | 9 | 34 | 261 | 1 | 7.7 | 6 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | SFO | 16 | 137 | 772 | 8 | 5.6 | 14 | 180 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | SFO | 8 | 104 | 521 | 2 | 5.0 | 16 | 156 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | SFO | 1 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 10.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | MIA | 16 | 181 | 891 | 3 | 4.9 | 31 | 202 | 2 | 25 | 502 | 0 |
| 2023 | MIA | 15 | 209 | 1,012 | 18 | 4.8 | 25 | 175 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | MIA | 13 | 85 | 278 | 2 | 3.3 | 19 | 161 | 0 | 2 | 42 | 0 |
| 2025 | LVR | 6 | 17 | 84 | 0 | 4.9 | 4 | 38 | 0 | 13 | 421 | 0 |
| Career | 109 | 776 | 3,875 | 34 | 5.0 | 115 | 937 | 8 | 66 | 1,613 | 0 |
Postseason
Mostert has appeared in four NFL postseason games across his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins, accumulating 61 rushing attempts for 369 yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with four receptions for five yards.[71] His receiving production in the playoffs has been limited, with no receiving touchdowns. In the 2019 postseason with the 49ers, Mostert played a pivotal role in their run to Super Bowl LIV. During the NFC Divisional Round on January 11, 2020, against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded 12 carries for 58 yards.[71] In the NFC Championship Game on January 19, 2020, versus the Green Bay Packers, Mostert had a breakout performance with 29 carries for 220 yards and four touchdowns, plus two receptions for six yards.[71] He followed that in Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020, against the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs), with 12 carries for 58 yards and one touchdown, alongside one reception for two yards.[71] Mostert's only playoff appearance with the Dolphins came in the 2023 postseason Wild Card Round on January 13, 2024, at the Buffalo Bills, where he had eight carries for 33 yards and one reception for a loss of three yards.[71] The Dolphins did not qualify for the 2024 postseason, and as of November 2025, no 2025 postseason games have occurred.[71]| Date | Game | Team | Result | Rush Att-Yds-TD | Rec-Yds-TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-01-11 | NFC Divisional (vs. MIN) | SFO | W, 27-10 | 12-58-0 | 0-0-0 |
| 2020-01-19 | NFC Championship (vs. GNB) | SFO | W, 37-20 | 29-220-4 | 2-6-0 |
| 2020-02-02 | Super Bowl LIV (@ KAN) | SFO | L, 20-31 | 12-58-1 | 1-2-0 |
| 2024-01-13 | Wild Card (@ BUF) | MIA | L, 31-34 | 8-33-0 | 1--3-0 |