Heisman Trophy winner and top NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza will be on the sidelines on his first day of action as a quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
This was assured by general manager John Spytek and Klint Kubiak even before Mendoza was drafted No. 1 overall on Thursday in Pittsburgh.
Though Spytek was amazed by the quarterback’s ability to recall plays from early in the season at Indiana, Mendoza will be on the sidelines behind veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins, whom the Raiders signed earlier this month.
Kubiak and Spytek have discussed not wanting to throw a rookie right into the fire, but they also said the best player will get the job.
Mendoza attempts to come in well-prepared for his new quest
Before the draft, Mendoza was given a head start in Las Vegas’ offense – the West Coast offense.
He worked with former quarterback Brian Griese on what his role could be like under Kubiak.
In a previous interview, the 6-foot-5 (1.96-metre) Boston, Massachusetts, native said that he needed guidance on how to become the best NFL quarterback.
He is aware that he should come in prepared every game day, from general under-center, basic bread-and-butter, and other concepts that cover the West Coast offense.
Experts have been trying to figure out how Mendoza could quickly adjust from the mostly shotgun formation he used during his time in Indiana to an offense in which he will be under center on most snaps.
Kubiak raved about Mendoza’s skill set, describing it as a fit with any offense in professional football.
He spoke about his future QB’s leadership, how he relates to his teammates, and his ability to win.
Most importantly, Kubiak seemed to have found a competitor, and the 16-0 season he had with the Hoosiers is proof that he can lead a team.
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Mission to help his mother and multiple sclerosis patients
Mendoza is also helping people with multiple sclerosis by launching the Mendoza Family Fund.
The newly-launched foundation aims to try to find a cure for MS as his mother, Elsa, is using a wheelchair due to the disease.
It takes a strong-willed mother like Elsa to make the cross-country trip with her family to Las Vegas for Mendoza’s first full day with the Raiders.
The first overall pick said that part of his identity is giving back, helping fight multiple sclerosis, and supporting the community.
Mendoza, who credited his mother for helping him revive his football career, said his mission is a huge part of who he is and something his family really wanted to do.
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SportJustSport writers