Mustapha’s Response To Mahomes Hit Inspires Confidence
Malik Mustapha produced an impressive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, one in which he made a big impact with his ability to get downhill and deliver punishing hits in the open field.
Unfortunately, the hit most people will remember is the one the San Francisco 49ers safety took from Patrick Mahomes.
Mustapha met Mahomes at the goal-line as the Chiefs quarterback surged into the endzone on a quarterback draw on fourth and goal to give Kansas City a 21-12 fourth-quarter lead.
But instead of knocking Mahomes backwards, Mustapha was trucked by the two-time MVP, who appeared to yell “weight room” in the rookie fourth-round pick’s direction as he celebrated the score.
The play instantly became a viral moment in a nationally televised Super Bowl rematch and, after the game, Mustapha showed his sense of humor with his response.
Mustapha posted a gif on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “I ain’t gonna lie I’m getting cooked.”
Mustapha deserves credit for seeing the funny side, and his reply when asked about his overall hard-hitting performance reflected a mindset that has the former Wake Forest defender bound for success at the highest level.
“I feel like I got trucked, later too, so those hits really don’t mean nothing,” Mustapha told reporters in the locker room.
“They always remember that one play… Just trying to do my part. Sometimes I got got. Got to look in the mirror and be better.”
Mustapha was unquestionably one of the 49ers’ best players in another dispiriting defeat to the one team they just cannot find a way past, but he is not happy with a performance most would view as highly encouraging. Mustapha knows he has the potential to do even more, and that mental approach is part of the reason why he will probably continue to shine in his rookie year and beyond.
