It’s Super Bowl LX week, which means the NFL’s biggest stars are making the media rounds. That includes future ones, too — like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
One that fans of a certain NFL team might take notice of was his appearance on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd.
Cowherd covered several topics with the Heisman Trophy winner, but it was Mendoza’s reaction to a bold draft projection that quickly made the rounds.
“Listen, you’re going to go to the Raiders… we can project that. I’m projecting you’re going to go No. 1,” Cowherd said.
As Cowherd delivered the prediction, Mendoza smiled and subtly crossed his fingers with his right hand — a not-so-quiet signal of what he’s hoping happens come April.
At this point, it would be more surprising if Mendoza didn’t go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Nearly every major mock draft projects him there, and league buzz has only strengthened that belief.
Las Vegas has been searching for a franchise quarterback for years. Geno Smith proved last season he was more of a bridge option than a long-term answer, and the depth chart currently behind him — including Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell — doesn’t inspire much confidence either.
Fernando Mendoza Reacts to Raiders NFL Draft Pick Buzz
Mendoza also appeared on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams, where Raiders fans made their presence known by chanting during the interview.
“The Raiders fans are some of the best fans in all the NFL,” Mendoza said. “They’re diehard, they’re loyal — and they really go all in for their team.”
Despite the mounting speculation of his next destination, Mendoza kept his focus broad.
“So whatever team drafts me, I want to make sure and give it my all and control all the controllables in order to be a Drake Maye or Sam Darnold to compete for one of these bad boys,” Mendoza said, pointing to the Lombardi Trophy.
The message was clear: he may have preferences, but he understands the bigger picture.
Fernando Mendoza Grew Up Fan of Tom Brady
If Mendoza does land in Las Vegas, there’s another storyline waiting.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is someone Mendoza has long admired.
“I was a huge Tom Brady fan,” Mendoza told Cowherd. “I read the TB12 book. I was always big on preparation. Because, like Tom, I’m not the biggest, I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest. But the edge is in the intellect and preparation.
“So, I really appreciate him preaching that message from a young age.”
Should the national champion quarterback land with the Raiders, he wouldn’t just have Brady’s mentorship as a possibility. He would also step into an offense led by new head coach Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak, one of the most sought-after assistants during this hiring cycle, will coach one final game with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX before officially taking over in Las Vegas — and potentially preparing to select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
If you want, I can now give you a Heavy-style headline, meta, excerpt, and permalink package for this one too.
Fernando Mendoza Reacts to Raiders No. 1 Projection During Super Bowl Week