By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-14 06:26:27 | Updated at 2026-08-14 09:56:04
4 hours ago
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first snaps in an unofficial NFL game as he took to the field in the preseason.
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, was chosen by the Raiders after he led Indiana to their first ever national championship.
In a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Mendoza was able to drive down the length of the field to set up for a 3rd and Goal.
He tossed an easy slant pass to second-year receiver Jack Bech for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.
Mendoza ran to the end zone to celebrate with Bech and the rest of the team for the first of what may be many passing touchdowns in the NFL.
On social media, fans celebrated the arrival of a new star for Raider Nation.
Fernando Mendoza got his first start in an NFL preseason game on Thursday evening
Mendoza completed his first touchdown pass to wideout Jack Bech in the second quarter
Raiders part-owner Tom Brady watched on during Mendoza's debut
'Mendoza agenda officially back on schedule,' wrote one user on X.
Another said, 'I'm pushing Mendoza propaganda this year.'
A Chargers fan posted, 'Mendoza is gonna be really good in this league. Gonna have to get pressure on him.'
One user posted, 'raiders finally got a qb who stares down the goal line like he owns it instead of checking his first read and folding. that calm in the pocket on 3rd and goal hits different.'
Even former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr praised Mendoza, posting, 'First of many!'
Mendoza's start came under the watchful gaze of Tom Brady, the Raiders part-owner who was in attendance.
The game promised to be a re-match of the 2026 national championship game as Mendoza was set to face Arizona's Carson Beck, who played for the University of Miami last year.
But Beck was scratched due to a rib injury that the Cardinals have 'zero long-term worry' about.
