Raiders’ Mendoza Goes Viral AGAIN: Hilarious Interview Is Pure Gold
Raiders Rookie Fernando Mendoza Wins Hearts with Formal Manners, Even as He Faces Growing Pains on the Field
The Most Polite Interview in Football History
Imagine you’re playing a video game, and the announcers start talking to you while you’re still playing. That’s basically what happened to Fernando Mendoza, the rookie quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, during a preseason game against the Houston Texans.
KEY POINT
Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick in the draft (the very first player chosen!) and played college football at Indiana University.
What Happened During the Interview
- The Setup: It was the 4th quarter. The Raiders were winning 22-20. ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge came over to interview Mendoza while he was on the sideline.
- The Greeting: Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck said, "Hi, Laura! Hi, Fernando!"
- The Legendary Response: Instead of a casual "Hey Joe," Mendoza looked at the camera and said with perfect manners:
"Please tell Mr. Buck I say, ‘Hello.’"
- The Salute: He then gave a crisp salute to the camera.
- The Follow-Up: Rutledge and fellow announcer Troy Aikman (a Hall of Fame quarterback) were laughing. Rutledge asked why he didn’t greet Aikman that formally.
- The Savage Compliment: Mendoza replied:
"Oh, of course. I mean, he’s a legend. I think Mr. Buck needs some love, because Mr. Aikman is already, you know."
The Result: The entire broadcast booth (Buck, Rutledge, Aikman) cracked up. Buck said, "He is unique… We’ll take the love from Fernando Mendoza. And he says all the right things." Aikman called him a "refreshing personality" and "easy to root for."
The Game Itself: A Tale of Two Halves (Mostly One Bad Quarter)
While his personality was a 10/10, his second preseason start was a bit bumpier.
Stat Line vs. Texans (First Half Only)
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Passes Completed | 8 |
| Passes Attempted | 15 |
| Yards | 86 |
| Interceptions | 1 (A BIG one) |
The "Pick-Six" Moment
- When: On his very second pass of the game.
- What Happened: He threw the ball, Texans rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz caught it, and ran 80 yards the other way for a touchdown.
- Context: This is called a "Pick-Six" (Interception returned for 6 points). It’s a quarterback’s worst nightmare.
Comparison: Week 1 vs. Week 2 Preseason
- vs. Cardinals (Week 1): 10 of 16 passes completed. Solid debut.
- vs. Texans (Week 2): 8 of 15 passes, 1 Pick-Six. Rookie growing pains.
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
Preseason games don’t count toward the regular season record. They are practice games for players to shake off rust and for coaches to decide who makes the team. Mistakes now are better than mistakes later.
The Quarterback Controversy (Or Lack Thereof)
You might think a bad game + a veteran backup = the rookie gets benched. Not so fast.
- The Veteran: Kirk Cousins (experienced starter, signed to be the bridge QB).
- The Coach: Klint Kubiak (Raiders Head Coach).
- The Surprise: After the game, Kubiak declined to name Cousins the Week 1 starter.
This means Mendoza is still very much in the fight to start the real season opener! The Raiders have one more preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday to figure it out.
Why Fans Are Excited: The "It" Factor
It’s rare for a rookie—especially a #1 pick—to be this comfortable and funny under the bright lights instantly.
Mendoza’s "Rookie Report Card" So Far
- Poise/Personality: A+ (Formal greetings, salutes, roasting Hall of Famers).
- Week 1 Performance: B+ (Efficient, mistake-free).
- Week 2 Performance: C- (Turnover, low completion %).
- Coach’s Trust: High (Still competing for starting job).
Summary
Fernando Mendoza had a wild Thursday night.
- Off the field: He stole the show with old-school manners ("Mr. Buck"), a salute, and a playful jab at Troy Aikman, making the NFL’s most famous announcers laugh uncontrollably.
- On the field: He had a rough start, throwing an 80-yard pick-six on his second pass and looking like a rookie against the Texans.
- The Bottom Line: Despite the bad interception, Coach Kubiak hasn’t handed the starting job to veteran Kirk Cousins yet. The competition is alive heading into the final preseason game vs. the 49ers.
Whether he starts Week 1 or sits to learn, one thing is clear: The NFL has a new favorite personality.
FAQ
Who is Fernando Mendoza?
He is the rookie quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, selected as the #1 Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Indiana University.
Why did he say "Mr. Buck"?
He was being intentionally ultra-formal and polite during a live mid-game interview. It was a humorous contrast to the usual casual "Hey Joe" athletes give announcers. He even saluted the camera!
What is a "Pick-Six"?
It stands for Interception ("Pick") returned for a Touchdown ("Six" points). It is the worst possible outcome for a quarterback on a single play. Mendoza threw one on his second pass vs. the Texans.
Is he going to start Week 1 of the regular season?
We don’t know yet. Despite his rough game, Head Coach Klint Kubiak refused to name veteran Kirk Cousins the starter afterward. The final preseason game vs. the 49ers will likely decide it.
Do preseason stats matter?
Not for the record books. Preseason games are exhibitions (0-0 record). However, they matter immensely for roster spots and starting jobs. Coaches evaluate how you play, not just the final score.