The moment Las Vegas Raiders fans have been waiting for has arrived, as Mendoza has donned the team’s black-and-silver uniform for the first time since being drafted.
During this weekend’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere, Mendoza was the main attraction as the No. 1 overall draft pick. He stepped out for his appearance at the event fully cloaked in the iconic uniform of the franchise, sporting the No. 15 jersey and looking ready as ever to inherit the role of the future QB1 of the franchise.
.@fernandomendoza looks too clean in his @Raiders uniform 😮💨#RookiePremierepic.twitter.com/FzKu1GxC7q
— NFL (@NFL) May 16, 2026
At the event, he greeted fans in attendance and lobbed passes to several fans, including giving one lucky fan an extra opportunity to catch a pass from the top draft pick himself after dropping the first one tossed his way. He clearly understands what it takes to be the face of the franchise.
But that will also require demonstrating his worth on the field. And while many fans and analysts alike believe that Mendoza has quite the high ceiling in the NFL, it’s unclear whether he will inherit the starting role this coming season, or if that will go to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has significant starting experience in the league.
But once Mendoza does take over the starting role in Las Vegas, he’s clearly got a grasp on what it takes to represent the Raiders in the right way off the field.
If he succeeds he will be the most beloved player ever pic.twitter.com/z5hC9V8Cj7
— Rodney_inFL/NC 🇵🇷 🇺🇸 (@4EVARDR1) May 16, 2026
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fernando Mendoza makes first appearance in Raiders uniform