NFL fans react to Fernando Mendoza’s first meeting with Raiders brass at 2026 combine

The Las Vegas Raiders gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at Fernando Mendoza’s first interaction with Tom Brady ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

In a video posted on X, Mendoza is seen speaking with the seven-time Super Bowl champion via FaceTime during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. The rookie quarterback, who has often spoken about growing up idolizing Brady, could hardly contain his excitement.

He opened the conversation by saying, “Oh shoot, what’s up, Mr. Brady?” before Brady replied, “Just call me Tom.”

The video quickly sparked debate on X, with fans split over Mendoza’s demeanor during the conversation. Some criticized the rookie for appearing awkward and overly formal, while others praised Mendoza for showing humility and respect toward one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and also a minority owner of the Raiders.

“Calling Tom Brady ‘Mr. Brady’ to his face? Mendoza is trying so hard to be the ‘respectful rookie.’ It’s actually painful to watch. The cringe levels are off the charts,” one person said.

“Russell Wilson personality 2.0,” another commented.

“Cringe,” one added.

“‘Hi Mr Brady!!’ What a goofball 😭😂,” one person commented.

“Brady is a future HOF QB, a team owner, and damn near 50. There’s no reason in the world you should feel comfortable enough to call him anything other than Mr. until he tells you otherwise. People criticizing don’t know what home training looks like,” one fan said.

“He seems down to earth and grounded hope he stays strong. It’s refreshing to see,” another said.

Just weeks after that conversation with Tom Brady, Las Vegas made Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 pick, so the expectations are understandably high for him going into his rookie season.

While few quarterbacks will ever get close to Brady’s accomplishments in the NFL, the Raiders are betting Mendoza can become the long-term answer at the position and help return the organization to championship contention.

Fernando Mendoza already building chemistry with Kirk Cousins ahead of Raiders QB competition

The Las Vegas Raiders are doing everything they can to ease Fernando Mendoza’s transition to the NFL, including surrounding him with experienced veterans who can help his development. Chief among them is quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has already taken on a mentorship role.

Cousins is already familiar with Klint Kubiak’s offensive system after spending three seasons with him at the Minnesota Vikings. That experience has made him an important resource for Mendoza, who is still learning the complexities of the offense.

“Kirk is definitely helping me a lot,” Mendoza said earlier this month. “He has been in this offense before, so he already has a little bit of an upper hand in a sense where he has been able to teach the other quarterbacks and have experience with the plays. He has had experience with Coach Kubiak, which has been so interesting to see.”

After ending his college career by leading Indiana to a national title and winning both the Heisman Trophy and Offensive MVP honors, Mendoza enters the NFL with high expectations. However, the Raiders want to bring him along gradually.

Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the regular season as the starting quarterback, allowing Mendoza to continue learning the offense and adjusting to the NFL before stepping into a bigger role.