Fernando Mendoza, who the Las Vegas Raiders drafted with the No. 1 overall pick Thursday night, was introduced by the team Friday flanked new head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek.
Mendoza has been expected to be a Raider for months. Friday, he landed at the team’s Henderson, Nevada facility, which should be his workplace for the next decade plus. He is excited that he can finally move on.
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“I’m really glad the outside noise is done,” Mendoza said. “I’m excited to officially to be a Raider … I have to earn it. I haven’t proven anything.”
In his first pubic words since Mendoza was drafted, Kubiak said the Raiders were sold on Mendoza when they went to his Pro Day a few weeks ago. Kubiak said he loves Mendoza’s leadership ability.
Mendoza spoke of the legacy of the Raiders and he was thrilled to see Raiders’ Super Bowl MVPs, quarterback Jim Plunkett and Hall of Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, were in attendance Friday. Mendoza will wear No. 15 after getting the blessing from former player and Hall of Fame coach Tom Flores.
Mendoza said he received welcome texts from new teammates Maxx Crosby, Tyler Linderbaum, Kolton Miller and Kirk Cousins since the draft.
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Now, it’s time for them all to go to work on the future of the franchise.
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