National Championship-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza stands on the brink of a significant journey as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft. While doubts linger about being the top pick, one thing is clear: he would eagerly welcome a chance to learn from Tom Brady, the most celebrated quarterback in NFL history.
“Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady?” Mendoza remarked during the NFL Scouting Combine. “More Super Bowl rings than anyone else. That opportunity would be incredible.”
“Tom Brady is undoubtedly the greatest quarterback of all time, and being mentored by him would be invaluable.”
Mendoza highlights how eager he is to absorb knowledge. “I thrive on learning. From Day 1, I know there’s much for me to grasp. It’s going to be a long trek, and having someone like Brady as a mentor would be deeply meaningful.”
Currently, Mendoza and Brady have only exchanged a few words over the phone. Recently, decision-makers from the Raiders traveled to Miami to watch Mendoza complete a flawless 16-0 season with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Despite successfully interviewing with the Raiders, Mendoza understands that a fit is not guaranteed come April 23. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the first overall pick in Pittsburgh, and the draft can be unpredictable.
“It was a fantastic interview,” he noted. “The coaching staff was there, and we analyzed some of my prior plays. We even worked through plays on the board. It felt like a great meeting.”
Mendoza is well aware of the stakes. “They have the No. 1 pick, but drafts can take unexpected turns. Whatever team selects me, I’m committing everything I have to them.”
Should Mendoza join the Raiders, he won’t just have the chance to work with Brady. He’ll also be tasked with aiding new head coach Klint Kubiak in reviving a franchise struggling since its last Super Bowl appearance on January 26, 2003.
This team last claimed a division title in 2002 and has only experienced two winning seasons (2016, 2021) since then. Throughout this period, the Raiders have endured continual shifts, cycling through 12 head coaches and countless roster changes.
