Raheem Mostert says family is concerned about return to football amid pandemic

The NFL hopes to launch the 2020 season without a hitch, but some players may be less than enthused about football returning in the midst of a pandemic, including Raheem Mostert. The San Francisco running back said that his family, specifically his mother, is worried about the safety of the players.

"She has actually cried a couple of times just because she wants to make sure not only myself but those 90 guys that are in the locker room are going to all be safe, and their families as well," Mostert said.

Mostert was ahead of the curve when it came to understanding the full scope of the COVID-19 crisis, as he canceled an appearance at the Santa Clara County Convention Center on March 4.

But even amidst the pandemic, the NFL has shown no signs of slowing down. Training camp is currently scheduled to begin in late July and Mostert says that he fully intends to attend if it does go as planned. He said that while his mother is worried, she supports his decision.

"She understands that no matter what, this is my job and I have to do what my job requires me to do, which is all fair," he said. "She's excited as well. She wants football to be back and sports, to be back in general. ... We don't know what it's going to take for us to be out back out there on the field, testing every week and playing in a different state or what have you. We don't know yet. That's something that's going to be determined once the time comes."

Mostert is an essential part of the 49ers' deadly ground attack, as he rushed for 336 yards in the team's playoff run last season, including 220 yards and four touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.