Jun 22, 2026, 1:52 PM CUT
Fernando Mendoza Shares Personal Struggles After Joining Raiders
January 19, 2026: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza 15 during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. /CSM. Miami Gardens United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260119_zma_c04_341 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx
January 19, 2026: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza 15 during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. /CSM. Miami Gardens United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260119_zma_c04_341 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx
Fernando Mendoza’s NFL journey has already brought unexpected challenges. After joining the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 pick, the rookie quarterback shared his struggles while adjusting from college football to the demands of the NFL.
Speaking with Front Office Sports, Mendoza said that adjusting to life in the NFL has been one of his biggest challenges after joining the Raiders, as he gets used to the quicker game and higher expectations.
“There are growing pains with that, and I’ve had a little bit of growing pains during OTAs," Mendoza said. "However, I’ve always believed that whatever mistakes I make, let’s not be a repeat offender."
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270203
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270203
Mendoza made these comments on the Front Office Sports News Channel while talking to David Rumsey about his experience with transitioning from college football.
He also pointed out that the NFL game moves quicker and highlighted the biggest differences between college football and the NFL, especially the bigger playbooks and higher level of preparation.
“The speed of the game is faster. It’s the NFL," Mendoza said. “The system playbook’s thicker again because it’s NFL.”
After entering the league through the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza has arrived in Las Vegas with high expectations.
The 22-year-old quarterback stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 236 pounds, giving him the build needed for the position. The reigning Heisman trophy winner will not be under Tom Brady's tutelage as he aims to hit the ground running.
His early NFL journey shows that success will depend on how quickly he learns the system and handles the league’s demands with the Raiders.
As he adjusts to life in the NFL, Mendoza has also been guided by former quarterback Tom Brady.
Tom Brady’s Advice for Mendoza’s NFL Journey
Mendoza has also received guidance from Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, who shared advice on handling pressure and earning respect in the NFL.
“I think what he said as a quarterback is you need to be the most everything,” Mendoza revealed as per FOX News. “You need to be the most competitive. You need to be the most leader. You have to have the most leadership.”
Brady’s message shows that Mendoza’s growth is not only about improving his game.
The rookie quarterback also needs to become a leader and earn trust from his teammates as he starts his NFL career.
What happens next with him will be closely watched this season.
Do you think Fernando Mendoza will have a productive rookie season? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Divyanshi Raj
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote