Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza described the opportunity to be a starting quarterback in the NFL as a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment ahead of his first start in the league.
Mendoza - the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft - was elevated to QB1 on the Raiders' depth chart after the franchise traded veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings before Tuesday's trade deadline.
Mendoza said he had "no inkling" that the trade was coming. He also thanked Cousins and his family for their guidance and support during his rookie season.
"I wanted to make a statement where I really, truly, from the bottom of my heart, wanted to thank Kirk and the entire Cousins family," Mendoza said. " ... They, as a family, have done so much for me. They've essentially taken me into their household when they were here, and they've welcomed me with open arms."
He continued: "It would've been really easy for Kirk, being a veteran quarterback and having already proved everything, to be a little bit more dismissive. But he had me with open arms and has taught me so many things, whether it's film study, how to operate as a starting quarterback, all the different multifaceted approaches that have made him so successful throughout his career. He has shared with no restrictions or no constraints. So I really appreciate him. ... He was a great a mentor."
The Raiders drafted Mendoza with the intention of having him sit behind a veteran quarterback before taking the reins. He says that approach has paid off, noting the growth he's made since the spring.
"I'm a lot more confident as a quarterback and feel more developed, whether it's under center, connecting with teammates, understanding an NFL scheme," Mendoza said. "There are so many areas that I have improved on, and I look forward to keep on improving because there's still a lot of work to do."
Mendoza has thrown eight NFL passes, though they all occurred at the end of a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. He completed six of those passes for 48 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
His first test will come against the reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. However, the Seahawks will start backup quarterback Drew Lock after ruling out Sam Darnold due to a quad injury.
