Pat McAfee breaks silence after Max Mendoza declares plan to ‘take over’ his ESPN role (Image via Getty)Pat McAfee got an unexpected challenge for his ESPN job during The Pat McAfee Show on July 15. The comment came from 14-year-old Max Mendoza, the younger brother of Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. When asked about his dream career, Max did not hesitate. He said he wanted to take over McAfee’s role one day. Instead of brushing it aside, McAfee welcomed the confidence and even joked about it. The light-hearted exchange quickly stood out because it showed the ambition of the youngest member of a family that has already produced one of football’s brightest young stars.Pat McAfee responds to Max Mendoza’s dream of taking over his ESPN roleThe conversation happened during Max Mendoza’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. When Max was asked about his dream job, he replied, “taking over Pat’s job.”McAfee immediately responded, “Okay, I like that.”The ESPN host then joked that Max could be ready for the position in about eight years. Max played along and painted a picture of what that future could look like.“Imagine it. It’s Max Mendoza’s show. Max Mendoza Show right there.”The exchange was short, but it highlighted the confidence Max has already developed at a young age. While Fernando Mendoza has been building a name for himself on the football field, his younger brother appears to be interested in a very different path.That interest in broadcasting is not entirely surprising. Over the last few years, Max has often been by Fernando’s side during interviews, public appearances and major football events. Watching those moments up close seems to have helped shape his own career ambitions.Fernando Mendoza has often praised brother Max Mendoza’s confidence and supportFernando Mendoza has never hidden how much his family means to him. According to ESPN, the quarterback chose to spend NFL Draft night at home with his family in Florida rather than attend the event in person, wanting to share the moment with his parents and siblings.His admiration for Max has also been clear in public comments. During playoff national championship media day in January 2026, Fernando spoke warmly about his younger brother.He called Max “a man” despite his age and said that whatever path he chooses, he believes he will achieve great things. Fernando also credited Max for bringing optimism and joy into his life and for helping him maintain a positive outlook.Earlier this year, Max spoke about adjusting to life around his brother’s growing fame during an interview with Raider Flash.“It has been pretty cool [being in the spotlight] because I have been able to meet some pretty cool people, and I get to support my brother, so it is really nice,” Max Mendoza said.He added, “Academics-wise, I’ve been able to keep up, and the teachers have really helped me.”Max has already received a small taste of broadcasting. During an appearance on NBC’s Today Show, he was invited onto the set and read from the teleprompter, showing confidence in front of the cameras.At just 14 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop those skills. For now, though, he already has one important thing going for him, Pat McAfee himself seems to enjoy the idea of having a future challenger.