Fernando Mendoza is officially a Las Vegas Raider.
The Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night in an effort to turn their franchise around. After winning just three games last season, the Raiders are turning to the Heisman Trophy-winning QB to lead the franchise in a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak.
Fernando Mendoza's No. 1 overall selection is historic in more ways than one
Mendoza has become a fan favorite among football fans everywhere. His underdog journey from a 1-star recruit to leading the losingest program in college football to a 16-0 National Championship-winning season is one of the best stories in sports we have seen in recent memory.
Along with his stellar play on the field, Mendoza's vibrant personality and likability are already making him a fan favorite in Las Vegas.
Raiders fans are loving Fernando Mendoza's first words after being drafted No. 1 overall
Minutes after he was drafted, Mendoza spoke with NFL Network about how grateful he is for the opportunity in front of him. The interview only lasted about 30 seconds or so, but that's all Raiders fans needed to hear.
"The last five months have been a blessing by God and I can't thank him enough. I look forward to proving it and earning it every single day ... what a great organization, great legacy. There's so many great teammates I'm looking forward to talking to ... Coaches, owners, I'm ecstatic for the opportunity."Fernando Mendoza
Mendoza is right.
The Raiders may have fallen on tough times in recent seasons, but they are storied franchise with a rich history of great players and coaches. Despite being the worst team in the NFL last season to get this No. 1 overall pick, a new era is underway in Las Vegas. The franchise has already made several roster moves to build around Mendoza, and now that they have their franchise QB, Raiders fans are fired up.
The interview was classic Mendoza. He stayed humble and positive, and was beaming with joy at the opportunity he has to do something special.
His NFL Draft dreams have come true, and both Raider and Hoosier fans everywhere will undoubtedly support him throughout his pro football career.
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