Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is already soaking up “a lot of advice” from none other than Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. This isn’t just some casual chat, either. Brady, approved as a minority owner back in October 2024, has been in Mendoza’s ear, setting the tone for the top pick in the 2026 draft before he even takes his first snap.
The North Star Mandate From a Legend
Mendoza dropped the details to People.com’s Rachel Raposas and Lizzie Hyman, sharing the core of Brady’s wisdom. The GOAT’s message? It is all about doing “everything possible to be successful and, and to best serve your teammates and not let your teammates down.” Brady hammered home the idea of making “all those decisions to the North Star and to best serve your teammates and to become the best quarterback you can become in order to help the team.” Talk about setting a high bar! For a guy like Mendoza, who was the first overall pick, getting this kind of direct, no-nonsense guidance from a legend has to be both inspiring and a little bit intimidating.
Brady’s Straight-Up Challenge to the Rook
But Brady is not just handing out pats on the back. On a Wednesday appearance on FOX Business’ The Claman Countdown, he got real about the Raiders’ quarterback room, which includes Mendoza, Kirk Cousins, and Aidan O’Connell. “I love Fernando, but Fernando’s like every other young rookie: he’s got to go out there and earn it, like everybody else,” Brady said. He acknowledged Mendoza’s hard work to get to this point, being the first overall pick and all. But then came the kicker: “none of these young players, none of these rookies, have ever had a meaningful snap in the NFL.” He made it clear that their journey is “determined by the work that they put in, by the adversities that they overcome, by the kind of teammate and player that they are.” That’s classic Brady, right? Earn it, every single day.
Mendoza is gonna get his first real shot at NFL action when the Raiders’ preseason slate kicks off next month. They’ve got a home game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 13. Then it’s a road trip to face the Houston Texans on August 20 before wrapping things up back home against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27. Everyone’s gonna be watching to see how this rookie takes on Brady’s challenge, especially with two other QBs in that room ready to fight for their spot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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