After showing flashes of his elite skills and getting more center snaps during the OTAs, the Las Vegas Raiders’ new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, recently talked about the lessons he received from the legendary QB Tom Brady. 

While interacting with David Rumsey on the Front Office Sports News, the Heisman Trophy winner, Mendoza, shared his learning approach and the advice he received from the Raiders minority owner, Tom Brady.

“I try to do two different types of learning. I try to do active learning, and I also try to do passive learning…” said Mendoza. “...Asking him more questions, and he's been able to give firsthand a lot of advice that has happened in his career…”

Mendoza shared that he follows the active and passive methods of learning. He also seeks direct feedback from Brady as well. 

He also frequently checks in with the director of performance, Alex Guerrero, to check on his progress. 

"I try to read one every single night as part of my nightly reading. That's like my book, for now," Mendoza told Rumsey.

Back in January 2025, Brady launched his newsletter, “199”. Mendoza and the others on the team keep it handy and actively refer to it for learning from Brady’s experience. 

"We had a question about a specific concept, and we were all there," Mendoza said. "Kirk was able to voice memo Tom really quickly, and he got back to us, and it was a great answer that we took a lot from."

He also highlighted the easy availability of Brady for the team and recalled the incident where Cousins clarified a doubt from Brady directly. 

With the direct mentorship from the legend himself, Mendoza is looking forward to his first NFL start ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Fernando Mendoza Continues to Impress During Raiders OTAs

The Las Vegas Raiders' wide receiver Tre Tucker recalled his first meeting with the franchise’s rookie quarterback, where he was taken aback by Mendoza's "elite" mentality.

Per Tucker, Mendoza showed up at the training facility daily as if he were not the new draftee but rather an undrafted rookie who is struggling to get on the roster. 

Mendoza has impressed his teammates with his performance, with All-Pro punter AJ Cole, defensive end Maxx Crosby, center Tyler Linderbaum, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, etc, talked very highly of him when they were approached by the reporters. 

"There's no magic wand where a guy can develop the type of skills necessary to be successful in the offense, particularly talking-under-center-type work or getting into a consistent rhythm and timing with your footwork," Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said.

During the OTAs, the coaching staff showed faith in him and gave him more center snaps required for his development as the franchise’s quarterback. 

With strong reviews from teammates and increased opportunities during OTAs, Mendoza continues to strengthen his case as a key part of the Raiders' future plans.

Read more at Quarter Back Central!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker