Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his initial appearance in an unofficial NFL game during the preseason on Thursday evening. The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Mendoza led the Raiders against the Arizona Cardinals.
Mendoza guided the team down the field and completed a touchdown pass to second-year receiver Jack Bech in the second quarter, tying the game at 14-14. Following the play, he celebrated with his teammates. Social media reactions from fans expressed excitement about Mendoza's arrival. Users on the platform X commented on the "Mendoza agenda" and shared "Mendoza propaganda." One user noted the quarterback's "calm in the pocket on 3rd and goal." Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr also offered praise, posting "First of many!"
Mendoza's preseason debut was observed by Raiders part-owner Tom Brady, who was in attendance.
The matchup was anticipated to be a rematch of the 2026 national championship game, with Mendoza facing Arizona's Carson Beck, who played for the University of Miami last year. However, Beck was scratched from the game due to a rib injury, which the Cardinals described as having "zero long-term worry" about.
