Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza claims team has most Hispanic fan base
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed his new team has the “most Hispanic fan base” after going No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. Mendoza made the statement at his introductory press conference for the team on Friday.
“The history of the Raiders, especially the Hispanic history, is like no other. I think it’s probably the most Hispanic fan base and legends like Mr. Raiders.” [Jim] Plunkett, like Mr. [Tom] Flores. I mean, all those legendary Spanish idols and franchise staples. As a Cuban American, it means a lot to come to this franchise and help carry the torch. But I still have to prove it, and I’m really looking forward to connecting with the Hispanic community here,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza himself is a Cuban, a descendant of Cuban refugees.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
After Fidel Castro took control of Cuba and established a communist regime, all four of Mendoza’s grandparents fled the country and came to America.
“We all thought it was temporary,” Mendoza’s maternal grandfather, Alberto Espino, said earlier. Washington Post. “There was no way the United States would allow a communist regime 90 miles away.”
But Castro’s reign continued, so Espino and the Mendozas stayed in the United States and built their lives as Americans.
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza watches during warmups before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 19, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
Mendoza comes to the NFL after one of Indiana’s best quarterback seasons in college football history.
Now, as the Raiders’ quarterback, he will be under pressure to bring one of the league’s storied franchises back to prominence after decades of underachievement.
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Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, speaks during a press conference at Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also a big honor to honor the legacy. The Raiders are a foundational historic franchise and one of the faces of the NFL, and I feel like I have to prove that once again and earn it every day,” Mendoza said. he said.
“Especially as a rookie, nothing is given and I have a belief that everything is earned. So I’m going to come in humble, try to prove myself with my work ethic and lead by example, but at the end of the day it’s great to say those words but I have to do it.”
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