NFL Top Draft PIck Mendoza At Raiders Headquarters For Introduction: ‘I Know My Best Football Is Ahead Of Me’
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — He threw a Folly Floater of a first pitch before a Miami Marlins game that drew laughs and unleashed, shall we say, a unique “Rayyyyyyyyy-Derssssssss” scream on a video.
But today at Raiders headquarters that was all in good fun because the six-foot, five-inch, 22-year-old, quick-to-smile young man was introduced as the quarterback expected to lead a woeful NFL team back to a level of prominence last experienced in the good old days a generation ago.
The Raiders last appeared in a Super Bowl on Jan. 26, 2003 and it’s been a rocky 23 years since marked by mostly losing records and only two postseason appearances in 2016 and 2021.
In walked Fernando Mendoza and he took a seat in the Raiders team meeting room at a table flanked by General Manager John Spytek on Mendoza’s right and head coach Klint Kubiak on his left. Mendoza’s family members sat in the back rows.
Spytek, introducing Mendoza: “He’s about the right things.”
Mendoza won the Heisman award as college football’s best player in 2025, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a national championship.
He has a strong throwing arm and shows underrated running ability, with a savvy style that was exhibited when he ran for a clutch touchdown against Miami in the national championship game.
Mendoza talked about being “humble and hungry” and ready to work with Kubiak. He comes off as genuine, religious and prepared to assume the role — eventually — of the team’s franchise quarterback.
Keep in mind the Raiders acquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the classic bridge QB to Mendoza, who noted he received texts from Cousins along with other Raiders players such as team leader Maxx Crosby and last year’s Raiders number one draft pick, Ashton Jeanty.
As usual, the Raiders rolled out their three Super Bowl trophies, arranged in front of the presser table. The NFL championship years were 1976, 1980 and 1983 for those trio of trophies.
It’s been 43 years since the Raiders have won an NFL title.
Mendoza represents hope.
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The Raiders picked the 38th overall player in the second round — Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. The Raiders had traded their No. 36 and No. 117 in Round 4 to the Houston Texans for No. 38 pick (Stukes) and No. 91 in Round 3.
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Raiders great Tim Brown had some fun with Mendoza about improving his Raiders chant:
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