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How rookie Mustapha channeled 49ers legend in win vs. Saints originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Everyone knows the famous Deion Sanders saying: “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.”
Rookie safety Malik Mustapha certainly looked the part of a hard-hitting 49ers defensive back on and off the field in San Francisco’s 16-10 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Mustapha, whom the 49ers selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has played well in the preseason thus far as he continues to climb up San Francisco’s depth chart with veteran safety Talanoa Hufanga working his way back from a torn ACL.
Mustapha, in speaking to reporters at his locker after the 49ers’ win on Sunday, donned a No. 42 Ronnie Lott jersey. When asked about his postgame fit, the rookie revealed he purchased the jersey months ago and wore it to the game to channel his Pro Football Hall of Fame role model’s style of play on the field.
Rookie Malik Mustapha wore his Ronnie Lott jersey to the game today and raved about the 49ers legend.
“Big fan of his. Obviously that’s the GOAT… Met him the other day, you know, just a dream come true. Meeting an idol like that.” pic.twitter.com/GNnZST013w
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 19, 2024
“I got this Ronnie Lott jersey back in June a few months ago,” Mustapha said. “Big fan of his, obviously that’s the GOAT, 49ers legend. Met him the other day, just a dream come true meeting an idol like that and it’s kind of like a mentality thing coming into the game wearing a Ronnie Lott jersey for my first preseason home game of my NFL career. I just wanted to go out there with the right mindset to attack the game.
Mustapha discussed his brief encounter with Lott and the mutual respect he shares with the 49ers great.
“He was just saying how much of a fan he is of me and things like that,” Mustapha added. “Just trying to pick his brain a little bit. [He’s] a guy who’s been through a lot and has seen the game….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rookie-mustapha-channeled-49ers-legend-154426417.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-08-19 18:11:52
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