Raheem Mostert From Undrafted Underdog to NFL Veteran

Raheem Mostert is a name synonymous with speed, resilience, and touchdown-making impact. Despite going undrafted in 2015, he carved out a remarkable 11‑year NFL career spanning multiple teams, highlighted by his record-breaking 2023 season and a new chapter with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. This article explores his background, stats, key transitions, and what lies ahead.

Roots and Rise — How It All Began

Purdue’s Fleet-Footed Sprinter

Born on April 9, 1992 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Dominique Raheem Mostert earned acclaim as a standout sprinter and return specialist at Purdue University. In 2011 he led the nation in kickoff return average, including a 99-yard touchdown in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. Track & field accolades followed, winning Big Ten titles in the 60m and 200m alongside football success NFL Fantasy+15Wikipedia+15GQ+15.

Despite his electrifying speed, Mostert went undrafted in 2015 but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles soon after, beginning his NFL journey on practice squads and special teams stints across seven teams in his first two seasons GQ.

Breaking Out with the 49ers

Finding a Home in San Francisco

Mostert found stability after joining the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in late 2016, before earning a spot on the active roster. Over six seasons with San Francisco, he transformed from kick returner to reliable running back and postseason hero FOX Sports+13Wikipedia+13The Sun+13.

Notably, in the 2019 NFC Championship Game he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns—one of franchise’s best postseason performances. That run helped propel the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV WikipediaSports Forecaster.

Redemption in Miami

Peak Performance and Pro Bowl Honors

In March 2022 Mostert joined the Miami Dolphins, reuniting with offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel. Over the 2022–2023 seasons, he amassed 28 total touchdowns—nine ranked among NFL leaders across running backs—and solidified his status as a scoring machine RotoWire+5Las Vegas Raiders+5GQ+5.

His breakout came in the 2023 season: 1,012 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns (18 rushing), the most in the league, which led to his first Pro Bowl selection at age 31 GQ+4RotoWire+4New York Post+4.

A Turning Point — Down Year & Release

2024 Struggles and Depth Chart Shift

But in 2024, Raheem Mostert faced adversity. De’Von Achane emerged as Miami’s lead back, resulting in diminished playing time. He finished with career-low production: 278 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 13 games, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry Reuters+3NFL Fantasy+3New York Post+3.

By February 2025, the Dolphins released him to save ~$2.9M in cap space and move forward with younger depth options Reuters+1New York Post+1.

New Chapter with Las Vegas

Raiders Sign Mostert for 2025

In March 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Mostert to a one-year, $2.1M deal. He reunites with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who previously coached him in San Francisco. The Raiders expect him to play a rotational backfield role alongside Zamir White and Isaiah Spiller, with potential for goal-line and change-of-pace usage Hogs Haven+6Reuters+6Silver And Black Pride+6.

Career Stats & Play Style

Numbers That Define a Legacy

Over 2022–2024, Raheem Mostert has ranked tied for ninth in the NFL in total offensive touchdowns among running backs. His career average of 5.0 yards per carry ranks among the top four in the Super Bowl era (min. 750 attempts) Las Vegas Raiders.

As of the end of 2024, he has accumulated approximately 3,791 rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns, and nearly 900 receiving yards with additional six receiving TDs—a testament to his dual-threat versatility WikipediaESPN.comSports Forecaster.

Speed, Resilience & Return Skills

Mostert’s elite straight-line speed—once ranked fastest among Big Ten football players—made him dangerous as a kickoff returner and breakaway runner. His background in track & field contributes to his explosiveness and ability to spring open big plays Sports Forecaster.

Personal Drive & Influence

Overcoming Resistance

Mostert’s story is rooted in resilience. Growing up facing instability, he channeled adversity into motivation. His early career involved being cut multiple times, yet his perseverance led to elite performance years later. He famously kept a list of teams that released him as motivation each time he suited up for San Francisco games WikipediaFacebookGQ.

Beyond Football

Off the field, Mostert is an ocean-loving Floridian and advocate for marine conservation and melanoma awareness. He’s married with three sons and balances family life with professional athletics, often reflecting on gratitude and team support in interviews Wikipedia.

Why Raheem Mostert Remains Relevant

Veteran Leadership & Matchup Value

Even at 33, Mostert brings value through veteran savvy, vision in space, and change-of-pace ability. His 2023 scoring output shows he can still impact games when healthy and properly utilized.

A Motivational Profile for Late Bloomers

From undrafted status to Pro Bowl elite, his path shows that consistency, mindset, and seizing opportunity can rewrite expectations—and continue to resonate with players entering the twilight of their careers.

Raheem Mostert: A Legacy Built on Speed and Resolve

Raheem Mostert may not headline highlight tapes like he once did in his prime, but his journey—from Purdue sprinter to NFL touchdown leader—is a testament to perseverance. With Las Vegas, he seeks to convert experience into opportunity.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Mostert?

As he dons the Raiders uniform in 2025, Mostert enters a season filled with questions and opportunity:

• Can he rekindle his 2023 form in a new offense?

• Will injuries or depth limit his effectiveness?

• Might he add a Super Bowl ring to his legacy?

Regardless, Raheem Mostert’s career already offers lessons in resilience, peak performance, and embracing change. Whether in goal-line carries, special teams, or clubhouse mentorship, his impact continues beyond the stat sheets.

His story remains far from over, and NFL fans should watch closely as Raheem Mostert enters this next chapter with the same speed, determination, and heart that defined his rise.