Overview
- The Las Vegas Raiders released a ‘Behind the Shield’ draft episode Friday that includes a FaceTime moment in which Mendoza greets Brady as “Mr. Brady” and Brady tells him to call him “Tom.”
- The clip quickly went viral and produced mixed fan reactions, with some praising the warm welcome and others calling the exchange cringe.
- The footage underscores Tom Brady’s public mentorship role with the rookie, reflecting reporting that Brady holds a minority stake in the team and has been advising Mendoza during the transition to the NFL.
- The Raiders have added veteran Kirk Cousins to the quarterback room and are treating Mendoza’s role as a staged development, saying training camp and pads-on preseason reps will determine whether Mendoza moves into the Week 1 starting job.
- Mendoza arrives as the 2026 No. 1 pick after a national-title season at Indiana and a decision to skip throwing at the NFL Combine in favor of his pro day, and the team’s media push is shaping fan expectations as preseason evaluation approaches.