Finally, the day came for the Indiana Hoosiers' former quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, when the Las Vegas Raiders called out his name as the No.1 pick. While that feeling was yet to set in, Mendoza received a message from the eight-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady.

On Thursday, April 23, the Raiders confirmed their move that was being anticipated for months now. Moments later, Brady made a tweet, congratulating the rookies. But the last line had a special mention of Mendoza. 

“Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend," wrote the former New England Patriots quarterback. "Welcome to Las Vegas @fernandomendoza. Time to get to work. I @Raiders."

Brady retired from the NFL in 2022, and in 2024, he was cleared to purchase 5% stake in the Raiders. From the beginning, he had shown interest in the Indiana quarterback.

"He gave me the message that he's going to push me, and he's not going to be all lovey-dovey, and that if the Raiders draft me, he is going to be a mentor," Mendoza said after taking the pre-draft visit to Las Vegas.

This message, after the selection, is indeed a big gift for the quarterback. After all, he grew up rooting for the New England Patriots during his father’s medical residency in Boston.

Meanwhile, Brady knows exactly what it feels like, as he was once a rookie coming out of Michigan. The Patriots drafted him back in 2000, and the rest is history. Along with Mendoza, Brady had a message for all the quarterbacks who will be stepping into the NFL. 

“When you wake up tomorrow morning, just know that your career will be defined by what happens going forward. You’ll need to take everything you do to the next level in order to compete with the world’s best,” said the legend. 

An exciting chapter awaits Mendoza.

What Did Fernando Mendoza Say After Being Drafted No. 1 Overall?

After being selected no.1 overall in the NFL Draft, Mendoza had a few words to say. 

“The last five months has been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank him enough. I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove at the next level,” said the quarterback.  

Suiting up for the Raiders, Mendoza will be competing with 15th-year veteran Kirk Cousins and fourth-year player Aidan O'Connell to be Las Vegas' starter.

The Raiders may be hesitant to start a rookie quarterback right away. But no matter what the future holds for Mendoza, the quarterback will be learning from the GOAT. 

“Looking forward to grow our relationship and to have that football intelligence and the way that he [Brady] sees the game, not only from a physical but from a mental and an emotional standpoint, I am excited to dive in,” said Mendoza after taking the Top 30 visit to Las Vegas.  

The last time the Raiders held the No. 1 overall pick, it resulted in one of the league’s most well-known draft disappointments. LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell went first overall in 2007, but lasted three seasons, finishing 7-18 as a starter. Mendoza now has the chance to rewrite history. 

How will Mendoza's NFL chapter take shape with Brady's guidance? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar