Moments before Fernando Mendoza was set to make his Las Vegas Raiders debut on Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals, his younger brother, Max Mendoza, had a notable interaction with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. The heartwarming exchange, which occurred during pregame festivities at Allegiant Stadium, quickly gained attention.
Max Mendoza was seen on the Raiders' sideline when he encountered Brady. The former quarterback greeted Max with a handshake and a hug, complimenting the young fan on his Las Vegas Raiders jacket. "I like that jacket; I have one just like that," Brady commented, adding with a hint of jealousy, "How can I get one like that?"
Their conversation continued before kickoff. Max Mendoza was later featured on the Raiders' broadcast, interviewed by Jason Horowitz alongside former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon and linebacker Kirk Morrison. Both Gannon and Morrison commented on Max's distinctive jacket, with Gannon jokingly suggesting he wouldn't be leaving without it. Max was seen wearing his older brother's No. 15 jersey during his broadcast appearance.
Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza entered the game late in the first quarter, taking over after starting quarterback Kirk Cousins led an opening drive resulting in a touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer. The rookie quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown. His scoring pass, a six-yard completion in the second quarter to wide receiver Jack Bech, elicited cheers from the stadium crowd. Mendoza managed two more series before being replaced early in the fourth quarter. The Raiders ultimately lost the preseason opener to the Cardinals, 27-14, but the memorable moment between Max Mendoza and Tom Brady captured significant attention.