Jul 21, 2026, 2:52 PM CUT
"Making sure you don't let your teammates down": Fernando Mendoza reveals Tom Brady's key wisdom
Credits: Imago NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: 2025 Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks with the media during a news conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 13 Heisman Trophy Ceremony EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25121321791,NFL, American Football Herren, USA Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams Dec 14, 2025 Inglewood, California, USA Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Inglewood SoFi Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20251214_rgo_al2_060
Credits: Imago NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: 2025 Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks with the media during a news conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 13 Heisman Trophy Ceremony EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25121321791,NFL, American Football Herren, USA Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams Dec 14, 2025 Inglewood, California, USA Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Inglewood SoFi Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20251214_rgo_al2_060
Fernando Mendoza is preparing for his first NFL season under the guidance of Las Vegas Raiders' minority owner, Tom Brady. In a recent interview, the No. 1 overall draft pick spoke about how he's benefiting from Brady's experience and leadership as he adjusts to NFL life.
Recently speaking with PEOPLE, Mendoza shared what Brady advised him during the offseason. While he admitted that he prefers to keep many of those conversations private, he shared one message that has stayed with him.
“Tom’s given me a lot of advice — and I like to sometimes keep it close to the vest,” said Mendoza to PEOPLE. “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.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 19: QB Fernando Mendoza 15 of the Indiana Hoosiers smiles on the trophy stage after the Indiana Hoosiers versus the Miami Hurricanes College Football Playoff National Championship Game Presented by AT&T on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 19 College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T Indiana vs Miami EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon796260119098
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 19: QB Fernando Mendoza 15 of the Indiana Hoosiers smiles on the trophy stage after the Indiana Hoosiers versus the Miami Hurricanes College Football Playoff National Championship Game Presented by AT&T on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 19 College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T Indiana vs Miami EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon796260119098
Brady encouraged a young 22-year-old Mendoza to make every decision to serve his teammates and become the best quarterback you can become to help the team.
With just six interceptions for 41 passing touchdowns in 2025, Mendoza would want to build on those numbers and continue helping his teammates.
“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,” Mendoza added while speaking to PEOPLE.
The relationship between the two has grown steadily since before the 2026 NFL Draft. Brady talked to Mendoza before the draft and promised to mentor whichever quarterback the franchise selected. The two text each other and recently met up at Fanatics Fest in New York.
For Mendoza, Brady's mentorship means more than just guidance from a seven-time Super Bowl champion. His focus is now on earning the respect of teammates, making the right decisions, and living up to the standard Brady has challenged him to meet.
In the recent event in New York, Brady's admiration for his mentee was on display.
Tom Brady's Fanatics Fest surprise for Fernando Mendoza leaves Raiders fans buzzing
During his appearance at Fanatics Fest, Tom Brady revealed he had tracked down and purchased the first licensed NFL autograph card of Fernando Mendoza.
"There happens to be a first overall pick that plays for the Raiders," Brady told the crowd at Fanatics Fest via a Topps X post. "Today I found it, and I got it."
The moment showed a growing relationship between Brady and the franchise's rookie QB. The purchase held significance because Brady is now handling multiple responsibilities, and he believes the card would bring the team good luck.
Brady is also co-owner of CardVault, one of the fastest-growing sports card retailers.
Brady showed confidence in Mendoza as he paid a "hefty price" to add this card to his collection.
What are your views on Mendoza under Brady's mentorship? Let us know in the comments!
Read more at Quarter Back Central!
Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote