HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 offseason can only be praised, even by their harshest critics, if it is fair, and just 28 days from the start of NFL Training Camp, it only looks to improve.The FutureOnce the Raiders selected the reigning National Champion and Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza, the excitement skyrocketed, as they turned the page from over two decades of mediocrity and the collapse of 2025.Tom Flores was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Flores was presented by Raiders owner Mark Davis.
Enshrinement2021 9225 | Scott Heckel/ Canton Repository / USA TODAY NETWORKThe youngster from Miami via Berkeley and Bloomington had stood the nation on its side as he captivated the country with his endearing innocence and toughness forged in steel to lead and win football games.He was the only choice, with multiple NFL Executives ranking him the top QB prospect in the last four drafts.The Call to GreatnessMendoza easily won the malnourished Raider Nation's heart, desperate for a winner, but not with a touchdown pass; he hasn’t played yet. But for a franchise directly linked with the Hispanic community, this rookie sensation shared the respect he had for it and what it meant to join the organization as a Hispanic American on his first day in Henderson.“The history of the Raiders, especially the Hispanic history, is like no other. I believe it's probably the most Hispanic fan base, and legends like Mr. [Jim] Plunkett, like Mr. [Tom] Flores. I mean, all those legendary Hispanic idols and cornerstones of the franchise. It means a lot as a Cuban American to come to this franchise and help try to carry the torch. But again, I got to prove it, and I'm really looking forward to connecting with the Hispanic community here."Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angels Raiders former coach Tom Flores speaks during a halftime ceremony to honor his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesMendoza will even wear Flores' legendary No. 15 jersey as a Raider; the young man gets the connection. The Raiders' new identity will be predicated on their old identity.The Legend SpeaksI first spoke to Tom Flores in 2020 and interviewed Flores back in 2021. He told me then about what being a Raider is and what the weight of representing that logo meant, and no one I have heard has ever said it better.Tom Flores was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Flores was presented by Raiders owner Mark Davis.
