Malik Mustapha shares humble, even-keeled mindset after play of game in win vs. Commanders

Malik Mustapha said he stayed even-keeled after making the play of the game in the San Francisco 49ers’ 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders, a stretch that helped the team improve to 6-0. He initially appeared to seal the game on a crucial third-and-3 at the 49ers’ 17-yard line, but then made another impact 19 seconds later. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels targeted Treylon Burks in the end zone for a potential go-ahead touchdown, but Burks couldn’t secure the catch as Mustapha covered. Mustapha nearly returned the interception for a touchdown. The 24-year-old safety also described reading receiver stamina on the play and emphasized staying ready. After missing the first five games of the 2025 season due to knee surgery and later dealing with a hamstring injury in training camp, he started the last two games with Marques Sigle sidelined, recording 11 tackles.