Raiders GM Reveals Tom Brady's Role in Fernando Mendoza Pick

It seemed only fitting that the Las Vegas Raiders, who have arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time as a minority owner, drafted a quarterback No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was Vegas' target for months, but it surely made Raiders fans feel better that seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady was consulting the entire time during Mendoza's evaluation.

Shortly after taking Mendoza first overall, Raiders general manager John Spytek - a close personal friend of Brady's - revealed the role Brady played in bringing Mendoza to Vegas.

"He’s just always been a great partner to me and really to this Raiders organization," Spytek told NFL Network after picking Mendoza. "Whatever we’ve needed him to do or be a part of he has.

"Specifically when you’re evaluating a quarterback and there’s this much involved in it and you have this opportunity with the first overall pick, to have Tom be a part of that is a unique and special part of the process."

Brady was fired up to get Mendoza in the silver and black.

The 48-year-old three-time MVP took to social media on Thursday to send a welcome message to Mendoza as he transitions from college to the pros.

"Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend," Brady tweeted on Thursday. "I hope you can appreciate this special moment… you've earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. You've made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported you.

"But this is just the beginning. When you wake up tomorrow morning, just know that your career will be defined by what happens going forward. You'll need to take everything you do to the next level in order to compete with the world's best. Welcome to Las Vegas @fernandomendoza. Time to get to work. | @Raiders."

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 11:39 AM.