Consensus No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza has opened up about the possibility of being mentored by Tom Brady.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and speculation continues to link them with the highly rated quarterback.
With Brady being a minority owner of the franchise, the prospect of direct mentorship has become a major talking point. Mendoza did not shy away from the subject.
L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Fernando Mendoza reacts to the idea of Tom Brady’s mentorship
Speaking to ESPN, Fernando Mendoza said: “I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady?” Mendoza said Friday morning. “That opportunity would be fantastic.”
Mendoza added: “Tom Brady, I believe, was the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much.
The Raiders’ ownership structure has intensified intrigue around how closely Brady could work with a rookie quarterback.
If Las Vegas selects Mendoza first overall, the expectation is that the seven-time Super Bowl champion would play an influential role in his development.
Fernando Mendoza is eager to learn from Tom Brady
Fernando Mendoza continued: “And especially to learn, and I’m all about learning. So from day one, I got to learn a lot. It’s going to be a long journey.
He concluded, stating: “And to potentially have a mentor like that, it’d be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful.”
Mendoza’s emphasis on preparation and growth aligns with the standards Brady has long championed. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback built his legacy on discipline and detail, traits any young signal-caller would seek to emulate.
With the draft approaching, the Raiders’ decision at No. 1 will shape the franchise’s trajectory. If Mendoza is the choice, the Brady connection could become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 season.
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