Mendoza Eager for Brady’s Mentorship as NFL Draft Approaches

As the NFL Draft approaches, presumptive first overall pick Fernando Mendoza expressed his enthusiasm for the potential mentorship of future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. During an interview with the Las Vegas Raiders in Indianapolis this week, Mendoza shared insights from a brief phone conversation he had with Brady, who holds a minority ownership stake in the team.

Mendoza’s Admiration for Brady

Mendoza, a standout quarterback from Indiana, described his interaction with Brady as “very special.” He hopes to meet the legendary player in person if he is selected by the Raiders in the upcoming draft scheduled for April. “I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady?” Mendoza stated. “That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, was the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin, and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him would mean so much. I’m all about learning, and to potentially have a mentor like that would be impressive and meaningful.”

While Mendoza is widely regarded as the favorite to be chosen first overall, he remains grounded about the outcome. He emphasized that he will be grateful for any team that selects him. “The pick has not been selected yet,” he remarked. “Whatever team drafts me, I’m extremely grateful. Whether it’s the No. 1 pick or the last pick in the draft, I’d be blessed and honored to be drafted by any team and give them my all.”

Impressive Interview with Raiders Coaches

Mendoza’s interview with the Raiders lasted around 20 minutes, during which he engaged with the coaching staff on specific plays from his collegiate career. He demonstrated his knowledge by drawing plays on a whiteboard, showcasing his readiness for the next level. “It was a fantastic interview,” he commented. “We went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting, and I know they have the prospective No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”

In 2025, Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship in program history during an undefeated season, further solidifying his status as a top prospect. His remarkable performance earned him a place on 95.16% of all Heisman Trophy ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota for the second-highest percentage in the award’s history.

As the countdown to the draft continues, Mendoza’s aspirations and admiration for Brady highlight both his personal goals and the legacy of one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.