Raheem Mostert’s cameo at the Stanley Cup Finals turned into an unexpected social media moment. But for the NFL veteran, it’s unlikely to be more than a brief detour from his ultimate mission: to make a lasting impact with the Las Vegas Raiders
His brief appearance alongside Donald Trump Jr. — regardless of the intent or implications — is emblematic of the blurred lines between sports, celebrity, and politics in modern America.
Whether fans view the image as a harmless photo op or a calculated statement, it’s clear that even a single social media share can create headlines in 2025.
As training camp nears, Mostert’s focus will return to the gridiron. But the buzz from this Stanley Cup night in Florida shows that in the world of professional sports, every move — even off the field — is under the spotlight.
The duo of Raheem Mostert and Geno Smith won’t automatically turn the Raiders into contenders—but they do signal a serious attempt at a cultural and competitive reset. With a bit of health, chemistry, and good play-calling, this pairing could be one of the more pleasant surprises of the 2025 season.
And while the suits from their May photoshoot made a visual statement, their real statement will come in September, when the lights come on, and the Raiders begin their quest for redemption.
Also Read: Ville Husso: Meet His Wife Hayley Husso, Bio, Career, Married Life, Children and More
Table of Contents
Raheem Mostert Makes Headlines Off the Field with Stanley Cup Appearance
Raheem Mostert is best known for his speed, agility, and explosiveness as an NFL running back.1
But in early June 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders’ newest addition found himself trending for something outside of football — his appearance at Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals and a high-profile encounter with Donald Trump Jr.
In what was expected to be a quiet offseason as he prepared for his debut season in Las Vegas, Mostert made an unexpected splash in the media by showing up courtside for the Florida Panthers’ decisive victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
However, it wasn’t just the game or the Panthers’ championship that caught people’s attention — it was the company Mostert kept.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and those that take on daddy duties! You’re appreciated!!
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) June 15, 2025
Panthers Clinch Historic Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Titles
Before diving into Mostert’s off-ice cameo, it’s worth noting the historic context of the game he attended.
The Florida Panthers delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, securing back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history.
It marked only the third time this century a team has repeated as champions, joining the elite company of the early 2000s Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2020-21 Tampa Bay Lightning.
Led by their dynamic roster and fortified by goaltending heroics and a high-powered offense, the Panthers made NHL history at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Among that celebratory sea of fans were celebrities, athletes, and high-profile guests — including Raheem Mostert.
Raheem Mostert Enjoys the Game… and Unexpected Company
Mostert was spotted in a suite at the arena on Tuesday night, mingling with influential businesspeople and political figures.2
The 32-year-old NFL veteran has long had ties to Florida, having previously played for the Miami Dolphins, and his attendance at a Panthers game didn’t come as a major surprise to local fans.
However, what did raise eyebrows was a photo posted to Instagram Stories by Anthony Perera, managing partner of Exuma Capital Partners. In the picture, Perera posed with Donald Trump Jr. and Mostert, celebrating the Panthers’ big win. The caption read:
“Celebrating the Panthers’ win with @donaldtrumpjr.”
Mostert then reshared the post on his own Instagram story without adding any caption or comment — a subtle move that still sparked a wave of reactions online.
Social Media Reacts to the Viral Image
The reshared photo quickly went viral across sports and political communities alike. Some fans applauded Mostert for simply enjoying a night out and engaging with fans from different walks of life.
Others speculated whether the NFL star’s post was politically charged or simply a case of being in the right place at the right time.
Supporters pointed out that public figures often mingle with a wide range of individuals at high-profile events, and that it’s common for athletes to meet celebrities and politicians — particularly during championship celebrations.
On the other hand, a more skeptical faction of the internet questioned whether the interaction had political undertones, given the divisive nature of the Trump family’s presence in the public eye.
Mostert has not commented publicly on the incident, and his Instagram story contained no additional context, which left fans and commentators to interpret the image on their own.
A Veteran RB Starting a New Chapter in Las Vegas
- Raheem Mostert may be generating off-the-field buzz, but his primary focus remains on football.
- After several seasons with the Miami Dolphins — where he led the team in rushing and showcased his elite speed — Mostert signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
- The move to Las Vegas marks an intriguing new chapter for the versatile back, who has battled injuries throughout his career but has also produced impressive highlights when healthy.
- With the Raiders entering a transitional phase under new coaching leadership and a young offensive core, Mostert brings veteran experience and leadership to the locker room.
- At 32, he’s one of the older running backs in the league, but his recent seasons with Miami suggest he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
- Fans in Las Vegas are hoping he can be both a stabilizing presence and a game-changer in the backfield, especially as the Raiders navigate a challenging AFC West division.
Raheem Mostert’s Focus Shifts to Raiders Training Camp
With the NFL preseason just weeks away, Raheem Mostert will soon pivot his full attention back to football.3
The Raiders have high hopes for his contributions, particularly as they aim to improve their rushing attack and take pressure off their quarterback situation.
Las Vegas finished the 2024 season with a mixed bag of performances, and the addition of a savvy, explosive runner like Mostert could prove pivotal.
Known for his ability to break off long runs and stretch the field horizontally, he’s expected to split carries with younger backs while offering a stabilizing presence in the locker room.
Off-field appearances aside, Mostert’s legacy will ultimately be defined by what he does between the lines — and Raider Nation will be watching closely when he steps onto the field in silver and black for the first time.
Politics, Sports, and Public Perception
Encounters between athletes and political figures are nothing new, but in today’s hyper-connected digital world, even a single photo can lead to widespread speculation.
Mostert’s silent resharing of the photo with Donald Trump Jr. has added fuel to a long-standing debate: should athletes be mindful of public perception when appearing with controversial political figures?
Some believe it’s unfair to place such scrutiny on athletes, especially when they are simply enjoying a night off and attending a sports event.
Others argue that public figures, especially in today’s climate, should be conscious of the associations and implications their public actions might carry.
In Mostert’s case, the lack of comment or clarification may have been a calculated choice — to let the moment pass without stoking controversy or feeding the speculation further.
Anthony Perera and Exuma Capital’s Role in the Spotlight
Anthony Perera, who shared the original Instagram story, is a well-known entrepreneur and managing partner at Exuma Capital Partners.
His post wasn’t meant to stir controversy, but rather to celebrate a local team’s victory with some recognizable faces.
Perera himself has been involved in sports and business circles for years and is known for his connections to influential individuals in Florida and beyond.
His decision to share the image featuring Mostert and Trump Jr. speaks to the nature of South Florida’s elite social gatherings — where sports, politics, and business often overlap.
Also Read: Tua Tagovailoa’s Wife Stands Up: Bold Response to Racism Targeting Raheem Mostert’s Spouse
Raheem Mostert Joins Geno Smith in Las Vegas
A New Era for the Raiders Begins
The Las Vegas Raiders are turning the page on a rough 2024 NFL season and looking to build a new identity with a reshaped roster for 2025.
One of the more intriguing offseason storylines has been the additions of veteran quarterback Geno Smith and running back Raheem Mostert, who were recently spotted training together ahead of the new season.
Their partnership signals a shift in offensive dynamics for a Raiders squad eager to rebound from a 4-13 campaign.
This article dives deep into what Mostert’s arrival means for the Raiders, his partnership with Smith, the team’s larger rebuild, and what fans can expect heading into Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Las Vegas’ 2025 Redemption Plan
Coming off a 4-13 season, expectations aren’t sky-high for the Raiders—but they are certainly higher than last year. With new offensive pieces, a revamped coaching staff, and a fan base hungry for wins, the Raiders need to set the tone early.
They begin their season on September 7 against the New England Patriots, a team also in transition. It’s the perfect litmus test: if the Raiders can execute their new-look offense and show resilience on defense, they might be more competitive in the AFC than many expect.
AFC West Landscape: A Tough Climb
Of course, turning things around won’t be easy in the brutally competitive AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs remain Super Bowl favorites, the Los Angeles Chargers boast one of the best young quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, and the Denver Broncos are no slouches either.
For the Raiders to succeed, their offense needs to not only be functional but explosive. That’s where Mostert’s breakaway speed and Geno Smith’s ability to move the chains become crucial.
Keeping pace with high-powered offenses in the division will require consistent execution and innovative play-calling.
Raheem Mostert’s Move to the Raiders
Fresh Start in the Desert
Raheem Mostert has had a well-traveled NFL career, playing for several teams but finding consistent success with the Miami Dolphins over the past few seasons.
His explosive speed and one-cut running style made him a valuable asset in Mike McDaniel’s offense. But after the Dolphins released him in the 2025 offseason, the Raiders quickly scooped him up on a one-year, $2.1 million deal.
For Mostert, joining the Raiders is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity. Despite being in his early 30s, he’s still among the league’s fastest backs and can be a game-changer in the right system.
The Raiders will likely lean on his veteran presence to anchor a backfield that saw inconsistent play last season.
Geno Smith: A Veteran QB with Something to Prove
Geno Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas is equally noteworthy. After an up-and-down tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where he showed flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency, Smith was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick (92nd overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Smith enters the 2025 season with a lot to prove. He’s no longer just a stopgap quarterback—he’s being asked to lead a team desperate for stability under center.
His experience, leadership, and recent playoff experience with Seattle could make him an ideal bridge QB or even a long-term starter if he performs well.
Raheem Mostert: Shoutout
Raheem Mostert gave Big shoutout to Jeevz on his instagram account and for value time, safety, and convenience, check out Jeevz.
View this post on Instagram
First Glimpses: Chemistry Off the Field
On May 23, Raheem Mostert gave fans a peek into offseason workouts and camaraderie within the team by posting several images on social media.
One image, in particular, stood out—a stylish photo of him with Geno Smith dressed in coordinated black suits.
While the suits made headlines for their sleek look—Mostert wearing black shorts and a blazer, Smith in a classic black-and-white ensemble—the symbolism was even more striking.
These weren’t just two veterans preparing for another season; they were presenting themselves as leaders and cornerstones of a revamped Raiders offense.
Their off-field chemistry could go a long way in translating to success between the lines, especially considering how crucial timing and trust are in quarterback-running back dynamics.
Key Games to Watch in 2025
Beyond the season opener, the Raiders have a few key matchups that could define their year:
-
Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Early test against the division giants.
-
Week 6 @ Miami Dolphins: Mostert’s return to his former team could be emotional and motivating.
-
Week 11 vs. Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith’s revenge game against his former squad.
-
Week 14 @ Los Angeles Chargers: Potential playoff implications.
These games will not only test the Raiders’ mettle but also serve as a barometer for how well their new veteran additions are impacting the team.
Also Read: Who Is Raheem Mostert Wife? Family, Parents And Siblings Details Revealed
