Fernando Mendoza Reveals Tom Brady's Message in Raiders Visit Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft Amid Rumors

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendonza revealed the message that he received from Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady during his recent pre-draft visit with the team.

"He gave me the message that he's gonna push me and he's not gonna be all lovey-dovey and that if the Raiders draft me, he is gonna be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever quarterback the Raiders have," Mendoza said during a Wednesday appearance on the Dan Patrick Show (2:50 mark).

Brady, who won seven Super Bowl titles throughout his legendary career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was approved as a Raiders minority owner in Oct. 2024.

Mendoza confirmed that he grew up as a Patriots fan on Wednesday.

"My dad did his medical residency in Boston, and so I only lived there for two years," Mendoza said (2:17 mark). "When I was seven years old, I watched the New England Patriots play the Giants. Although they lost, I fell enamored with the New England Patriots. So that was my team growing up."

The Raiders own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft and were projected to select Mendoza with the top choice in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

Mendoza is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign, throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns compared to six interceptions while earning Heisman Trophy honors.