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Fernando Mendoza, 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and projected first overall pick, is ready to begin his NFL career under the mentorship of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship during an undefeated 16-0 season, revealed this week that he spoke with Tom Brady during his official visit to the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 1 pick in this year's draft.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Appearing on the “Dan Patrick Show” on Wednesday, Mendoza revealed the advice that Raiders minority owner Brady shared with him during their meeting.
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“It was great. He gave me the message that he's going to push me, and he's not going to be all sweetheart. And that if the Raiders draft me, he'll be a mentor and want to collaborate with whatever quarterback the Raiders have, whether it's me or if they draft someone else.”
Mendoza added that the offseason addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins presents another learning opportunity for the young signal-caller.
Tom Brady attends the Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
PROJECTED TOP PICK FERNANDO MENDOZA REVEALS WHY HE'S SKIPING THE NFL DRAFT
“Well, if I'm lucky enough to go to the Raiders, I think it will be a great opportunity to learn from someone who has had so much success over the years and who, I think, has a very similar style of play to me.”
Mendoza likely won't accept starting reps in Las Vegas. Brady and general manager John Spytek have said numerous times that they believe in not using a young quarterback right away.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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The Miami native won't be in Pittsburgh to walk across the stage and be greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night. Instead, he will be at home with his family, citing his mother's multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Fox News Digital's Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.
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