The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for their opening game, and the spotlight is on quarterback Fernando Mendoza as he battles veteran Kirk Cousins for the Week 1 starting role.
Brady’s endorsement
Team part‑owner Tom Brady, who helped secure Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, recently bought the quarterback’s one‑of‑a‑kind autographed rookie card at a premium price. Brady highlighted Mendoza’s relentless work ethic and the support of his family, signaling strong belief in the youngster’s NFL potential.
Mendoza arrives in the Silver State after a stellar college career that saw him guide the Indiana Hoosiers to an unblemished 16‑0 record, capture the Big Ten title and a national championship, and earn the Heisman Trophy for his outstanding performances.
The former California Golden Bears standout transferred to Indiana, where he amassed 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions, while also adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores. His PFN College QB Impact score of 93.3 ranked second nationally, underscoring his impact.
Mentorship and expectations
Beyond the field, Brady has been sharing practical advice with Mendoza on navigating the professional game, a mentorship that could prove pivotal as the rookie adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Looking ahead
With the Raiders’ season opener on the horizon, the competition between Mendoza and Cousins will shape the team’s early narrative. Whatever the outcome, the quarterback’s journey from a perfect college run to the NFL is already generating considerable buzz.