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One of the most first primary choices for some novices after the NFL Draft is what jersey quantity they need to put on to kick off their careers.
From time to time, the ones numbers paintings in opposition to the novices, whether or not it’s avid gamers already proudly owning their desired digits or a retired quantity entering into the best way.
Las Vegas Raiders first total pick out Fernando Mendoza had a slight hiccup for his No. 15 heading into the draft. However the guy identified for the quantity through the franchise gave his blessing to the quarterback of the long run.
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Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, decided on because the No. 1 total pick out within the 2026 NFL draft through the Las Vegas Raiders, poses with Raiders basic supervisor John Spytek and head trainer Klint Kubiak at a information convention in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures)
“He merits my blessing,” ex-Raiders quarterback and trainer Tom Flores stated about Mendoza donning No. 15 subsequent season, in keeping with the group’s legit web page. “As a result of if he’s now not the actual deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
The Raiders by no means officially retired Flores’ quantity, however he sought after to you’ll want to let Mendoza understand how a lot he needs him to put on the quantity Mendoza starred in for the Hoosiers.
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“He’s highest,” Flores stated of the Heisman Trophy winner. “He could make each throw. He could make the performs. What can’t he do? He does all of it. He’s a laugh to observe.”
Flores rocked No. 15 for the Raiders from 1960-66, throwing for over 11,000 yards and 92 touchdowns all through that span. He additionally starred for the Buffalo Expenses and Kansas Town Chiefs all through his taking part in days.
Tom Flores, a member of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Reputation Magnificence of 2021, poses together with his bust all through the induction rite at Tom Benson Corridor of Reputation Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2021. (Ron Schwane-Pool/Getty Pictures)
After retiring, Flores went into training together with his outdated Raiders squad and ended up main them to 2 Tremendous Bowl victories. Then, in 2021, Flores was once inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Reputation.
Mendoza was once requested about Flores’ blessing to put on No. 15.
“It speaks to the testomony of as soon as a Raider, all the time a Raider. Of the way concerned the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be part of this group,” Mendoza stated.
“I will’t thank [Flores] sufficient. I’m so blessed.”
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, decided on because the No. 1 total pick out within the 2026 NFL draft through the Las Vegas Raiders, attends a information convention on the Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures)
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Mendoza enters his NFL profession with top expectancies, now not simply being the No. 1 total pick out, however taking part in for a proud franchise this is hoping to get again to its Tremendous Bowl-winning tactics.
Mendoza will sign up for the remainder of the Raiders’ rookie elegance at minicamp Friday.
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