Fernando Mendoza Praises Kirk Cousins as 'Great Mentor' After QB Traded to Vikings from Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is grateful for his time working under former mentor Kirk Cousins, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday after nine games with the Silver and Black.

"I wanted to make a statement where I really, truly from the bottom of my heart wanted to thank Kirk and the entire Cousins family, whether it's Julie, Cooper, Turner," Mendoza said during his press conference with reporters on Wednesday.

"They've, as a family, done so much for me. They've essentially taken me into their household when they were here, and they welcomed me with open arms.

"It would've been really easy for Kirk to, you know, being a veteran quarterback and kind of already have proven everything to be a little bit more dismissive, but he had me with open arms and has taught me so many things, whether it's film study, how to operate as a starting quarterback, all the different multifaceted approaches that has made him so successful throughout his career, he has shared with no restrictions or no constraints.

"So I really appreciate him, and it was heartfelt to see him. He was a great mentor."

In early April, the Raiders signed Cousins to a one-year deal as essentially a bridge quarterback before their future franchise signal-caller took the reins.

A few weeks later, the Raiders did the inevitable and selected Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and a national champion at Indiana, with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.

Cousins did well as the Raiders' quarterback, and he's currently second in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes and fifth with 2,340 passing yards. However, he's back in Minnesota, where he spent the 2018-2023 seasons.

The timing seems right, as Mendoza wasn't thrust into the spotlight right away and got a great chance to learn under Cousins, who now gets a chance to lead a 6-2 team fighting for the playoffs and potentially a Super Bowl.

Mendoza's first start will be Sunday at home against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.