Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza is different than his media persona

HENDERSON, NEVADA - JUNE 09: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up during mandatory minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on June 09, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders had the number one pick in the draft and used it on a potential franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza was the pick and has raised Raider Nation's hopes for the future. It was the first time the franchise had taken a quarterback in the first round since 2007.

John Spytek and his personnel department did their homework on Mendoza to make sure he was the man for the job. The Raiders' website recently released the offseason series Behind the Shield, giving fans a glance behind the scenes. The NFL combine is where they got their first chance to speak to Mendoza. Spytek asked Mendoza what is different about him than what is portrayed in the media. Mendoza gave an answer that spoke to his leadership skills.

The media painted a picture of me that was a little different from my true personality, especially after the Ohio State game when I said flipping' instead of f*ing' and at that point, and I was like, OK, he doesn't curse. He's a goody two-shoes.'"

Mendoza has shown more of his personality during his run-up to the draft with appearances on ESPN. He is well-liked by his teammates and finds different ways to connect with them. With him coming in as the young leader, he will have the goal to win over the Raiders' locker room.

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