Las Vegas Raiders part-owner Tom Brady has acquired a rare, one-of-one rookie trading card of the team's No. 1 draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. The purchase price was described by a business partner as a "life-altering amount of money for most people."
Chris Costa, a business partner of Brady's, told the California Post that the card represents the most expensive Fernando Mendoza card ever sold. The item is a unique 1-of-1 rookie card, featuring Mendoza's autograph and the inscription "My 1st NFL Auto," part of a Topps series for draft picks.
Brady expressed his desire for the card, stating, "I want that card. I need that card." The pursuit of the collectible involved tracking down its owner in the Southwest United States and a negotiation process that lasted several weeks, according to Costa. The final transaction included a significant cash sum and an autographed jersey.
Brady shared his new acquisition on social media, noting his investment in Mendoza's potential success with the Raiders. "I know how hard he works. He's got a great family and he's coming to a great environment for success," Brady said. "So I figured you've got to invest in it, and it's going to hopefully bring some good luck to Las Vegas."
The deal was finalized before Fanatics Fest, where Brady showcased the card. A future meetup between Brady and the card's original owner is also planned at a CardVault By Tom Brady location.