First Thing Raiders Rookie Fernando Mendoza Does Is Thank God After Strong Play In NFL Debut

After further evaluation, I like this kid.

Following strong play Thursday night in his NFL preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals, the first thing that Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza did was thank God.

“First, I want to thank God and my teammates and coaches for allowing me the opportunity,” said Mendoza while speaking with the media, per OutKick. “Today was an invigorating experience where there’s not many moments where you feel fully alive, and on the field is when you feel fully alive, especially in the NFL atmosphere. (RELATED: Rams’ Puka Nacua Explains Injury That Left Him Bleeding From Face After Running Into Door At Michael Rubin Party)

“So I want to give thanks for that. It was great to get out there, get my feet wet … I think it was a good experience.”

Mendoza was brilliant in his debut, throwing for 97 yards off 10/16 passing with a touchdown, and he also tallied a 100.3 quarterback rating in almost three quarters.

But Mendoza, being the man that he is, couldn’t have been more humble about it:

I can honestly say that I’m warming up to Mendoza, especially with him being a Miami guy

I admit, I was a jaded Hurricanes fan after his Indiana Hoosiers beat us in the national championship, but after licking my wounds and realizing that we’re going to be better this year than last year, I’m over it. So, now that I can accurately absorb his funny LinkedIn commercials and love for Christ, I like him.

Plus, rooting for Fernando is a great way to be a part of a Miami x Las Vegas mashup … I’m game.