Dolphins' Raheem Mostert says he didn't throw shade at 49ers, Jimmy Garoppolo
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert has attempted to clarify some controversial remarks he made regarding the San Francisco 49ers, his former club, and his current employer.
As Charean Williams explained for Pro Football Talk, Mostert said during a recent interview with Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com that "we have way more talent here" and that the Dolphins "have a quarterback that can actually sling it" in Tua Tagovailoa.
That caused some, including San Francisco All-Pro offensive star Deebo Samuel, to assume Mostert was blasting the 49ers and/or quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
"The initial report was specifically talking about Tua and his success," Mostert explained during a Tuesday appearance on San Francisco radio station KNBR, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "So when I was being asked those questions, I was looking at it as a view of what Tua has done and what Tua had dealt with in the past."
Specifically, Mostert said he was referencing criticisms of Tagovailoa that existed before the signal-caller's breakout 2022 season.
"I don't know why people are doubting [Tagovailoa] and his ability, [and I wasn't saying] that Jimmy G can't sling the rock or anything like that," Mostert added. "I would never, ever in a million years talk down on a player, specifically a guy like Jimmy, just because we've grown together all those years when I was there. My family is his family. His family is like my family."
As for the "more talent" comment, Mostert insisted he meant that the Dolphins "have more talent here, right now, at this moment, than what has been here in the past." The 30-year-old then went on to praise Miami's upcoming opponents.
"Come on, I was with the Niners for several years, and I know exactly what the talent is," he said. "There's unbelievable talent on both sides of the ball, and even on special teams, so I wasn't trying to take shots or digs on anyone."
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