While many speculated that the Las Vegas Raiders would have the No. 1 overall 2026 NFL Draft pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza in their 2026 NFL schedule release video, the franchise went one step further and also included fellow quarterback Kirk Cousins in the video.
What the Raiders came up with was a hilarious takeoff on the Will Ferrell-John C. Reilly comedy “Step Brothers.” And the NFL world was quick to react.
Raiders’ Video of Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins Draws Positive Reactions
Not only is Mendoza coming into the NFL with great expectations, but he’s bringing a Heisman Trophy and a national championship from his time with the Indiana Hoosiers with him, too.
Mitchell Renz of Raiders Report shared the team’s schedule release video. Renz also posted on X, “Love the Step Brothers theme by the Raiders”.
Love the Step Brothers theme by the Raiders 😂🤝 https://t.co/q8OUX2Qist
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) May 14, 2026
Jesse Merrick, founder of the Silver & Black Sports Network, also was highly amused by what the Raiders put together for Mendoza and Cousins. Merrick posted on X, “The Fernando Mendoza/Kirk Cousins pairing is already off to a hell of a start … love it”.
Ted Nguyen, who is a senior writer at The Athletic, shared his funny thoughts on what the Raiders put together for their schedule release video. Nguyen posted on X, “Kirko + Fernando buddy cop theme is exactly what the people needed. Good job”.
Kirko + Fernando buddy cop theme is exactly what the people needed. Good job 👏 https://t.co/VYqOPlilDu
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) May 14, 2026
Just Blog Baby, which covers Raiders football for fans around the world, was highly amused by the Mendoza-Cousins tandem. The site posted on X, “Alright, this was pretty funny … And MAN, Fernando is tall”.
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Alexa Belcastro, who is a host and reporter for KSNV News 3 in Las Vegas, shared her thoughts on X: “Hands down the best schedule release video ever”.
Hands down the best schedule release video ever https://t.co/YG6ebh0gEa
— Alexa Belcastro (@alexabelcastro2) May 14, 2026
While Mendoza and Cousins are making news with this funny schedule release video for the Raiders, the team will also have a new head coach. Klint Kubiak is taking over on the sidelines after Pete Carroll was fired after the Raiders went 3-14.
According to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, the Raiders ranked second-worst in the league last season, but things are expected to improve under Kubiak.
Now, the Raiders are looking forward to a better season with Cousins potentially starting in Week 1, and the rookie quarterback will be ready to go whenever needed. Mendoza can always look for help from his “Step-brother-in-arms,” cousin.
