Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April’s 2026 NFL Draft, is soaking up as much knowledge as he can from Tom Brady, whose presence in Las Vegas as a franchise minority owner continues to expand.
“With Tom, as our relationship’s growing, [I’ve been] asking more questions, and he’s been able to give firsthand a lot of advice that has happened in his career,” Mendoza told Front Office Sports. “And also advice when he’s come out to OTAs, seeing the way I play, that firsthand advice as well.”
Brady acquired about a 5% ownership stake in the Raiders in 2024. Las Vegas majority owner Mark Davis has relied heavily on the seven-time Super Bowl champion for football decisions, including the hirings of GM Jon Spytek and new coach Klint Kubiak, as well as former coach Pete Carroll, who was fired after his lone season in 2025.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, isn’t guaranteed to start Week 1 for the Raiders, who in March signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a deal that guarantees him $20 million for the 2026 season. Mendoza’s rookie contract is projected to be worth $57.2 million over four years, but he hasn’t signed it yet.
Both Mendoza and Cousins are benefiting from Brady’s expertise, though.
