Getty

Las Vegas Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza.

The future is all about Fernando Mendoza for the Las Vegas Raiders. The No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft could make or break the franchise.

He’s been projected to join the Raiders for months, so fans have been eager to actually see him in uniform. Luckily, the wait is over. Mendoza wore No. 15 in college, but another Raiders legend, Tom Flores, previously wore the number.

The rookie quarterback made sure to get the Hall of Famer’s blessing before donning the uniform.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores told Raiders.com. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Though it’s not his gameday uniform, Mendoza took the practice field at rookie minicamp wearing his Raiders uniform for the first time.

Notably, he still doesn’t have the Raiders decal on his helmet. Head coach Klint Kubiak is making players earn the right to have that decal. Mendoza should get his quickly if he lives up to the hype.

Not only did the Raiders drop the first look at him hitting the practice field, but they also showed up some plays.

This is just rookie minicamp, so Mendoza hasn’t had a chance to play with the veterans yet, but there will undoubtedly be lots of coverage of his first pass to Brock Bowers and first hand off to Ashton Jeanty.

Flores Is a Big Fan of Mendoza

Flores was the first Hispanic starting quarterback in the NFL, and Mendoza is the first Hispanic quarterback to be drafted No. 1 in the draft. Notably, the last Hispanic quarterback to go No. 1 was Jim Plunkett, who won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.

For his part, Flores is a huge fan of Mendoza and paid him some big compliments.

“He’s perfect,” Flores told Raiders.com. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch.

“Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”

Mendoza Responds to Flores’ Comments

Mendoza is as humble as they come. He’s aware that he’s still a rookie who hasn’t made his mark on the NFL yet. He was very honored by Flores’ decision to give his blessing to wear No. 15.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza told Raiders.com. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank [Flores] enough. I’m so blessed.

“I had a good college career; I haven’t done anything in the NFL. So for him as an NFL legend, a Raider legend, for him to give me permission to wear the number 15 and represent Raider Nation, the Silver and Black and him, all in one, it’s an eternal blessing. Every single day I’m going to have a commitment to excellence to make sure than I can live up to that standard.”

Though Flores is 89 now and it’s harder for him to travel, he’s hoping to see Mendoza up close soon.

“It’s a privilege to have him wear my number,” Flores said. “I’d like to see him practice.”