Key Takeaways

• Fernando Mendoza met with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak and GM John Spytek at the NFL Combine
• Minority owner Tom Brady called Mendoza on the phone during the meeting
• Mendoza called the interview “fantastic” and went through previous plays with the coaching staff

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza met with the Las Vegas Raiders at the NFL Combine, and he had nothing but positive things to say about the experience.

“It was a fantastic interview,” Mendoza said. “The coaching staff was in there and we went through some of my previous plays and drew some plays on the board.”

The meeting included a surprise phone call from minority owner Tom Brady, who spoke with Mendoza during the interview. This adds another layer to the Raiders’ pursuit of the quarterback, as Brady’s involvement could signal the team’s commitment to building around the young passer.

With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza to lead their rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Walk the Plank

Let’s be honest — when Tom Brady is personally calling your quarterback prospects, you know this team is serious about winning. The greatest quarterback of all time didn’t invest in this team to lose. He’s making calls, sitting in on meetings, and making his presence felt.

Mendoza seems to have made a strong impression, and the fact that Brady took time to call him speaks volumes. This could be the start of a beautiful relationship — Brady mentoring the next face of the franchise.

The only question now is: when do we get to see Mendoza in silver and black?