Fernando Mendoza’s Brother Reveals Mom’s Strict Rule After Raiders QB Takes Hit

Fernando Mendoza’s brother Max provided an entertaining insight into the Raiders rookie quarterback’s family life while appearing in the commentary booth during Las Vegas’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Max discussed several topics during the broadcast, including life in Las Vegas and the touchdown celebration he once helped create with his quarterback brother. However, one moment involving Fernando taking a hit quickly caught his attention.

Fernando Mendoza Takes Hit During Preseason Game

During the third quarter, Mendoza was involved in a third-and-four play with just over 10 minutes remaining. The rookie quarterback was tackled during the play but managed to throw the football away and avoid taking a sack.

Watching the incident from the commentary booth, Max immediately joked about how their mother would react to seeing her son take such a hit.

“My mom would not like that,” Max said during the live broadcast.

The comment offered a humorous glimpse into the Mendoza family’s reaction to the physical side of professional football, particularly with Fernando beginning his NFL career.

Fernando Mendoza Replaces Kirk Cousins

The Raiders opened the preseason game with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the field. Mendoza entered the contest during the second series as Las Vegas continued evaluating its quarterback room.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Mendoza had completed six of 11 passes for 53 yards, including one touchdown. He had also been sacked once during his appearance.

His performance provided another opportunity for the Raiders coaching staff to evaluate the No. 1 overall pick against NFL competition.

Fernando Mendoza’s Journey to the NFL

Mendoza spent the first three seasons of his college career with the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers.

His move to Indiana proved to be a major turning point. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship season and was subsequently named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.

His outstanding college campaign helped establish him as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, eventually leading the Raiders to select him with the No. 1 overall pick.

Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders QB1

Despite Mendoza’s status as the first overall pick, the Raiders have initially placed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of him on the depth chart.

Las Vegas signed Cousins in April, adding significant NFL experience to its quarterback room. Head coach Klint Kubiak later confirmed that Cousins would begin training camp as the starting quarterback.

“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He’s the guy, and he’s going to get a ton of reps. He deserves them because he’s played really good football. But I want Fernando (Mendoza) and I want Aidan (O’Connell) to push him,” Kubiak said.

Kubiak also emphasized that competition remains important throughout the roster and that the coaching staff wants to identify the best players at every position.

Raiders’ Quarterback Battle Continues

The Raiders’ decision to start Cousins gives Mendoza time to develop while learning from an experienced NFL quarterback. However, the rookie will have opportunities during the preseason to demonstrate that he is ready for a larger role.

His preseason performances will be closely monitored as Las Vegas determines how quickly the young quarterback can transition from college football to the NFL.

When Is the Raiders’ Next Preseason Game?

The Raiders will play their next preseason game against the Houston Texans on August 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game set to be broadcast on ESPN.

The matchup will provide another opportunity for Mendoza to compete for playing time and continue his development as the Raiders evaluate their quarterback options heading into the 2026 NFL season.