Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s status as a possible Week 1 starter was elevated this week. The Raiders rookie is in a tight QB1 battle with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was signed by the franchise before selecting Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But it appears Mendoza was kinda-sorta given an edge this week, thanks to a piece of business from Tom Brady.
Tom Brady Purchases Unique Fernando Mendoza Collectible
Raiders part-owner Tom Brady was a key decision-maker in the franchise’s selection of Mendoza No. 1 overall. During an appearance at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, the New England Patriots legend revealed that he had purchased Mendoza’s one-of-one autographed rookie card at a hefty price.
“There’s a Fernando Mendoza card that came out that I sent you, and I said, ‘I need this.’ I found it, and I got it, my first NFL auto one-of-one,” Brady said. “I know how hard he works; he’s got a great family, and he’s coming to a great environment for success, so I figured I’ve got to invest in it.
“And you know what, the card was not easy to find. I know there’s a lot of negotiations that went back and forth for quite a bit. Ended up paying a very hefty price.”
Brady was at Hard Rock Stadium in January to watch Mendoza put the final touches on one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in college football history. Mendoza helped the Indiana Hoosiers complete a perfect 16-0 season, including winning the Big Ten and national championships.
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He won the Heisman Trophy for his performances for the dominant Hoosiers and completed the perfect year by being selected No. 1 overall by Brady’s Raiders.
In an interview with “PEOPLE” this week, Mendoza revealed the advice Brady has given him in his nascent NFL career so far.
“I’d be at fault for not trying to ask him for some wisdom,” Mendoza said. “Tom’s given me a lot of advice, and I like to sometimes keep it close to the vest. However, the one thing that he always says is that, ‘Hey, you’re in your early 20s and making sure you do everything possible to be successful and to best serve your teammates and not let your teammates down.’
“Making sure you’re making all those decisions to the North Star and to best serve your teammates and to become the best quarterback you can become in order to help the team.”
After transferring to the Hoosiers from the California Golden Bears, Mendoza established himself as the best quarterback in college football by tallying 3,535 passing yards on 72% completion, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores. He earned a PFN College QB Impact score of 93.3, the second-best in the country.
