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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders certainly have a lot to look forward to this offseason, and much of that focus surrounds the projected selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Mendoza, who won the Heisman trophy and threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in 16 games, appeared on Kay Adams’ Up & Adams Show and didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the Raiders’ fanbase.
Fernando Mendoza on Raiders’ Fanbase: “They’re Diehard, They’re Loyal”
There’s no way Adams isn’t going to talk to Mendoza without mentioning the Raiders, and he gave his thoughts on the fanbase.
“I was here in Berkeley, Oakland, the Raiders fans are some of the best fans in all the NFL. They’re diehard, they’re loyal, and they really go all in for their team.”
Mendoza was then asked what his message is to the Raiders’ veterans like Maxx Crosby, who will be counting on him to be the guy who can take them to the Super Bowl.
“I think it gets a little twisted sometimes. It’s not just one guy that’s gonna go in and just completely supersede everything. So many great veterans on every team, including the Raiders like Maxx Crosby, just so many guys on the offensive and defensive line that are just great leaders on the team, and I believe that I’m going to do everything I can and ask those veterans, ‘Hey, how can I help as a leader? What can I do?’
And really just give them my all and try to work with those guys. It’s a team effort, and we can only do it if the team comes together. When the team comes together with the coaching staff, they can help us reach new heights.”
It’s a great mindset to have, and it’s the reason why Mendoza went from a two-star recruit coming out of high school to the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on Raiders fans and potentially getting drafted to Las Vegas:
“The Raiders fans are some of the best fans in all of the NFL. They’re diehard, they’re loyal.”
Mendoza Discusses Tom Brady
Along with discussing the Raiders fanbase and his message to the team, Mendoza talked about wanting to get a workout in with Raiders minority owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
“I would love to work out with him one day to see what he does and the TB12 Method. Although I’ve read the book, [I would like to] see it firsthand.”
Mendoza also touched on how Brady is a player he looks up to as someone who isn’t as athletically gifted as other athletes. “Because for me, I’m not the biggest, not the fastest, not the strongest. However, my key and my edge is preparation. That’s someone I’ve looked up to in the football space.”
That’s a very high probability that Mendoza will get his wish to work out and learn from Brady, who has spoken highly of him.
“Sixteen-0, leading his team. He’s another guy that when you hear him speak — [when] I always kind of judge quarterbacks, I go, ‘How would I have answered that?’ — and he’s just a very mature young man. He’s got a bright future. Everybody coming into the league, there’s still so much room for development. Nobody’s a finished product. I don’t care whether you won the Heisman or you’re the 199th pick in the draft. It’s ‘what do you do when you get there? How important is this to you? Are you obsessed with your job? Are you obsessed with being the best you can be?’”
The Raiders will be in good hands with Tom Brady and Fernando Mendoza.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. More about Isaac Zuniga
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