By Mallory Mattingly
The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he praised God for the opportunity to play in the league.
“The last five months have been such a blessing by God. I can’t thank Him enough,” Mendoza said in his first interview after being selected, per Christhlete. “I’m just looking forward to getting to work, improving at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career.”
“But now I step into a great game, the NFL, and look forward to proving and earning it every single day,” the quarterback emphasized.
Related: Fernando Mendoza Glorifies God After Historic Season, Heisman Win
Mendoza is excited to get to work with the Raiders as he feels it suits his play style the best.
“Deep down in my heart, I knew the Raiders were most likely going to be the best fit because of the coaching staff,” Mendoza said after the Draft, per the Raiders. “I think it really fits my play style great because of all the great teammates on offense and defense. They’re stacked because of the great ownership. Whether it’s Mr. Davis or Mr. Brady. I mean, what better situation to walk into? So, I think all the stars are aligning here and I’m just very blessed to be in this position.”
Throughout his childhood, Mendoza looked up to the Raiders’ owner Tom Brady. Now, he gets to play for him and even be mentored by the legendary quarterback.
“It means a ton, and I think it’s a huge edge for the football club to be able to have such a source of knowledge, intelligence and experience all in one, especially as an owner,” Mendoza said of Brady. “It’s something very rare that you get. So, I’m looking forward to diving in, getting all the resources I can from him and learning from him, the great coaches, and the other great players we have on the team.”
His faith deeply impacted his journey to the NFL.
“Well, first off, I’m a man of God, and I believe that God has a plan. He’s blessed my family, blessed me, and I just can’t thank Him enough,” Mendoza emphasized. “And second of all, I also think that fortune favors the bold and that sometimes when you’re bold, and you bet on yourself, it’ll work out most of the time. And if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll be able to at least sleep easily at night 20 years down the road, knowing you did everything possible to accomplish your goals. And that’s what I look forward to doing. Doing everything possible to accomplish my goals with this football club and helping in any way I can.”
With a strong family support system and his faith, Mendoza is ready to get his NFL career started with the Raiders.
Read Next: Fernando Mendoza Praises God After Leading Indiana to First-Ever National Championship
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