Everything Fernando Mendoza Said About Making NFL Debut for Raiders vs. Patriots

Las Vegas Raiders' rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut in garbage time of Sunday's 45-17 loss against the New England Patriots, finishing 6-of-8 for 48 yards.

After the contest he spoke about taking the field for the first time.

"It wasn't a great experience because of the overall outcome. I wanted to do my part, any way I can help the team. I was called upon and I appreciate all of my teammates, especially some of the starters going out there and having that fighting effort," the top overall pick told reporters . "Entering in what you would call your NFL debut, it's a good experience. Every rookie has it at some point. It was just that time."

"I'm going to keep controlling the controllables, but it is good experience to have some regular-season snaps to go off and evaluate and get better from," Mendoza added.

The Raiders have chosen to roll with Kirk Cousins as the starter thus far in the 2026 season, choosing to bring the 23-year-old Mendoza along slowly. It's felt like a wise approach—despite Sunday's blowout loss the Raiders are 3-2 and Cousins has played well, throwing for 1,269 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions through five games.

It won't be long until Mendoza headlines a burgeoning offense that also includes young stars like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. But for now, he'll be relegated to getting his reps in practice and in garbage time.