Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza isn't happy with the NFL

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza doesn’t like having to spend any time away from the Las Vegas Raiders facility in the lead up to his first NFL training camp.

Mendoza turned down a chance to visit the White House last month to visit President Donald Trump with the rest of his Indiana teammates to celebrate their national championship win because he didn’t want to miss any practice with the Raiders.

So when Mendoza was dragged away from practice by the league to attend the NFL Players Association Rookie Premier event, he was none too happy about it.

“I’m going to be completely honest with you - I’d rather be practicing right now and I was really upset about actually having to miss practice for this,” Mendoza told Gilbert Manzano of SI.com about having to participate in the Rookie Premier.

“Although it’s great. . . . It’s still been a great moment to where it was mandatory I be here. I’m not going to feel sorry for myself and feel wishy-washy.”

Though he was visibly frustrated over having to take time away from his new team, Mendoza admitted he did learn a few things while he was at the event with his fellow rookies.

“I’m going to have a smile on my face and make the most of that present moment,” Mendoza said. “Live and learn all the [NFLPA] benefits, make all the connections with different mentors here, let me make sure I can maximize my time to be able to create a positive impact and learn about my situation and surroundings. So those are all things that I really benefited from being here.”

Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, is expected to at least start the season on the bench behind Kirk Cousins.

But if Cousins struggles, or the Raiders fall out of playoff contention quickly, Mendoza could get some valuable playing time as a rookie. Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon even said he expects Mendoza to be starting by the end of the season.

“I think [Mendoza will] be in there probably by the halfway point, [maybe] a little bit after,” Moon stated. “… I think it’s good for him right off the bat [to] be behind somebody, he doesn’t have to be put out there to the wolves right away until he’s ready, and Kirk can win some football games for them and keep them competitive in games until Fernando is ready.”

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 2:21 PM.