Las Vegas Raiders introduce Fernando Mendoza in press conference

[0:07] I'd like to welcome everyone to this afternoon's press conference. [0:12] At the dais, we have the number one overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, [0:16] General Manager John Spitek, and Head Coach Clint Kubiak. [0:19] We'll begin with some opening remarks from Mr. Spitek, and then we'll open it up for questions. [0:23] Okay. I want to thank everybody for coming this afternoon to an exciting day for the Raiders organization [0:29] and the Las Vegas community. [0:31] The long mystery has finally been solved. [0:33] We got our guy here, and just want to thank everybody that was a part of this process in this building [0:40] to arrive to this selection of Fernando was not a coronation. [0:45] He earned it every bit of the way with his play and the way that he conducted himself [0:49] in all of our one-on-one interactions during the draft process. [0:52] So we're thrilled to welcome Fernando to Las Vegas. [0:55] To have his family here today is really special. [0:57] I hope it's been a special 24-ish hours for them. [1:00] I know it's been a whirlwind, but we are thrilled to welcome Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders. [1:10] Okay. At this time, we'll open it up for questions from the media. [1:13] We have microphones in both aisles. [1:15] Please raise your hand and state your name and affiliation. [1:19] Adam Hill, Las Vegas Review-Journal. [1:20] Fernando, it's been a long process. [1:22] You talked about that, the college season, the draft process. [1:25] Now you're actually here. [1:25] Does it kind of feel more real now that you're in the building and part of the team? [1:29] And then the second part, did you have to apologize to your brother for snubbing him [1:32] with the high five after the draft? [1:37] Yeah. First of all, with my brother, we actually had two post-salibrations [1:41] when we got the call and then when the pick went in and saw your name on TV. [1:45] But, you know, I apologize to him. [1:47] He knows I love him, so I hit him with a dap and a hug afterwards. [1:51] And there's a lot of anticipation coming to this pick, [1:54] but now I'm really glad that all the outside noise is done. [1:58] I'm officially a Raider. [1:59] I'm excited to be humble and hungry and get to work. [2:01] For Fernando, Ryan McFadden from ESPN. [2:07] My question for you, I read that you trained with Brian Greasy ahead of the draft. [2:11] I was curious, like, what kind of led to that and what was it like working with him? [2:16] Yeah, Coach Greasy is a great guy, and we both went to the same high school, [2:19] Christopher Columbus, down in Miami, Florida. [2:22] And with him, he's someone that I reached out to because I needed some guidance [2:26] on how to become the best NFL quarterback, not just for, like, a pro day or the combine, [2:31] for September or whatever it is, October, December, whenever, to be an NFL quarterback. [2:40] And with that, we just went over some general under center concepts [2:44] and just installed basic bread and butter concepts that any team would have. [2:49] So it was great working with him, and he kind of gave me an adjustment [2:52] because he's been an NFL quarterback coach in the past. [2:56] Fernando, Hondo Carpenter on SI. [2:58] You and I were laughing at the combine about you being an unemployed college kid. [3:03] You're now a first-round selection with a $55 million guaranteed deal [3:08] that's coming on the table. [3:10] Has the enormity of the responsibility and the blessing hit you yet? [3:16] Yeah, it's a huge blessing. [3:18] However, I feel like I still need to earn it, and I haven't approved anything. [3:21] The college, my college career was very blessed, and it was a great, [3:24] very significant career. [3:25] However, in the NFL, I'm at the bottom of the totem pole again, [3:29] so I'm really looking forward to proving it every single day [3:31] to everybody in the building. [3:32] Fernando, Ezekiel Trezavan on SI. [3:34] You mentioned yesterday that you had been looking into the West Coast offense. [3:37] I'm curious what part of the West Coast offense [3:39] or what part of your game are you looking forward to improving the most? [3:43] I think the part of the West Coast offense that I found the most interesting [3:46] was the run tracks, and especially how important that is off the system [3:51] of making sure you're on the right track for outside zone, [3:53] getting the ball as deepest as possible to the running back [3:55] so you can have the best vision possible, [3:57] which then helps out the offensive line. [3:59] And I'm always trying to do my 111th. [4:01] In the offense, I believe it allows the quarterback to be a great point guard [4:04] and such a great scheme that Coach Kubiak has. [4:07] And I just want to do my 111th, whether it's handing the ball off, [4:09] throwing, making a check, whatever, maybe. [4:13] Fernando, Heidi Fang, Las Vegas Review Journal. [4:15] I was curious as to how much familiarity do you have with Kirk Cousins [4:21] and his career, and what are you hoping to learn from him? [4:23] Yeah, I was blessed. [4:25] This morning and last night I was able to get a text from a couple of guys [4:29] like Max Crosby, Tyra Linderbaum, Colton Miller, and Kirk Cousins, [4:34] and I'm sure there's been more. [4:35] I'm looking forward to reaching out to all my new teammates, [4:38] and most of those guys. [4:40] It's been a whirlwind in the past couple of hours. [4:42] But Kirk sent me a really nice text. [4:44] I'm looking forward to working with him, learning anything I can from him, [4:48] and just a great not only teammates that I'm able to learn from, [4:51] but also the great coaches. [4:53] Clint, Ed Graney, Review Journal. [4:55] John talked about last night the offense and how he fits. [4:58] When you watch tape and everything, where does his skill set fit? [5:01] Where do you like him most in your offense? [5:04] Yeah, his skill set fits with any offense in professional football. [5:09] You know, obviously the number one thing I love about Fernando is his leadership, [5:13] the way that he relates to his teammates, and his ability to win. [5:16] You know, we're looking for a competitor to be our quarterback, [5:19] and he's got, you know, he went 16-0 last year with a heck of a team, [5:25] and he led that group. [5:26] So I love his athleticism, his ability to throw accurately down the field. [5:32] He's very accurate. [5:33] But at the end of the day, he's a bright, intelligent leader. [5:38] Harry Ruiz with the Spanish Raider broadcast for the Raiders. [5:41] Fernando, what does the responsibility of being a Raider mean to you [5:44] when you look to your left and you got Jim Plunkett, [5:47] the last man to win the Super Bowl as the quarterback for the team, [5:49] and to your right, you got Fred Beletnikoff, [5:51] the first Super Bowl MVP in the history of the franchise, [5:53] and then you got the Vince Lombardi trophies right in front of you as well. [5:57] It's a huge responsibility, but it's also a huge honor. [6:01] To honor the legacy, the Raiders are a cornerstone franchise, [6:05] and one of the faces of the NFL. [6:07] And I feel like, again, I need to prove it and earn it every single day. [6:11] If I, you know, wear number 15 this year, whether or not that happens, [6:15] I mean, Tom Flores was able to coach and win two Super Bowls [6:18] and also wear number 15 as a quarterback, you know, he has cemented that number. [6:24] So I feel like every corner you turn, you see, you know, Mr. Plunkett, [6:28] Mr. Brown, you know, Mr. Allen, like everybody, Mr. Beletnikoff, [6:32] and I really appreciate all the legends coming out here today. [6:35] It means so much to see the alumni and really shows what a first-class organization this is. [6:40] So I'm stoked and ready to prove it. [6:44] Hey, Fernando, to your left. [6:46] And Omar Ruiz, NFL Network, we know you're a planner, you're a preparer in everything you do. [6:51] What's, going back to your teammates, what's the sort of plan to connect with the guys [6:55] kind of once you get into the locker room here with the Raiders? [6:58] Yeah, I think it's familiarity, and especially as a rookie, nothing's given. [7:02] And my belief that everything is earned, so I'm becoming humble, [7:05] try to establish myself as, you know, with my work ethic and lead by example. [7:11] But at the end of the day, you know, it's all great saying these words, but I got to do it. [7:14] And so I'm looking forward to connecting with them, and I'm just excited to learn from them as well [7:19] and care about them as people. [7:21] Fernando, Mark Anderson, AP. [7:24] You're starting this fund. [7:25] Can you just talk about what that means to you, the fight MS? [7:30] Oh, sorry, yeah. [7:31] Yeah, it's great. [7:32] My mom's there in the back. [7:33] You know, I can't thank her enough for everything, so we started the Mendoza Family Fund, [7:36] which we were able to get a good donation to. [7:39] Starting off, I've been blessed in my journey, and I believe one of my pillars [7:43] and my identities is giving back and helping fighting MS, giving the community. [7:48] So that was a huge part of my identity and something that our family really wanted me to do. [7:54] Daniel Ramirez, Telemundo de las Bellas. [7:55] Primero que nada, Fernando, felicidades, bienvenido. [7:58] Al hablar con los aficionados en los últimos meses, [8:01] algo que sobresale es el orgullo de la representación que llega al equipo, [8:05] algo que ha sobresalido en la anticipación a llegar a los Raiders de esta franquicia [8:10] y el orgullo latino que existe en la historia de los Raiders. [8:14] Yeah, I mean, the history of the Raiders, especially the Hispanic history, [8:17] is like no other. [8:19] I believe it's probably the most Hispanic fan base and legends like Mr. Plunkett, [8:26] like Mr. Flores. [8:28] I mean, all those legendary Hispanic idols and cornerstones in the franchise. [8:33] It means a lot as a Cuban-American to come to this franchise [8:37] and help try to carry the torch, but again, I've got to prove it. [8:40] I'm really looking forward to connecting with the Hispanic community here. [8:44] Levi Edwards, Raiders.com. [8:45] You were talking about the alumni presence, [8:47] and you obviously walk in and you see three Heismans when you walk in [8:51] coming off of a Heisman Trophy win. [8:53] How did that feel? [8:54] And also the sense of that pressure of winning the Heisman Trophy, [8:57] does that include, is that added coming into the NFL team, [9:01] or is it not anything you really think about? [9:04] Yeah, I think it was in the last chapter. [9:05] It was a great chapter, and don't get me wrong, [9:07] and the Heisman's an awesome trophy, and I'm really happy that I won it. [9:11] However, no, I won it. [9:13] The team won it. [9:14] The Indiana team won it. [9:14] But that's in the past chapter. [9:17] But there's a great history of Heisman Trophy winners here for the Raiders. [9:22] I mean, I think there's around 9 to 11 in the total history. [9:26] So that commitment to excellence that goes not only from the college, [9:30] but also to the NFL level is shown by all the Heisman Trophy winners here. [9:34] I'm lucky to be a part of it. [9:35] Antonio Favela, Univision, teniendo la oportunidad de jugar para un equipo tan latino, [9:44] por su afición, qué tan importante es para ti ser latino? [9:49] Y saber si entiendes bien el español, y si hablas un poquito, [9:54] o puede ser un esfuerzo, o solamente lo entiendes? [9:58] Well, I definitely understand it. [10:01] I would say I'm really confident in my understanding ability. [10:04] For example, I will repute back what you said. [10:07] Speaking of it, I still need to get better on it. [10:09] I need to learn every single part of my journey. [10:11] But I would say, but I will say I'm working on learning my Spanish back in. [10:19] It was my first language. [10:21] But being Hispanic is everything to me. [10:22] I believe culture is the one, is the thing that sets a person and their identity. [10:27] And I'm lucky enough to be raised by four Cuban-American grandparents. [10:31] And my parents also instilling the Cuban culture in me. [10:35] So it means a lot to be a part of this Hispanic community. [10:38] Looking forward to embracing it at every moment I can. [10:42] Fernando here in the middle, Jesse Merrick with Silver and Black Sports Network. [10:45] I remember hearing you in some interviews talking about when you were looking about [10:48] where you wanted to transfer, about your brother at Indiana, [10:50] and how he was learning and developing in terms of reading defenses and stuff like that [10:54] at kind of a different level. [10:55] I'm curious now, in hindsight, in that area, what you really took away [10:58] that I think prepared you the most for this job now with the Raiders? [11:01] I think it's the ability to get coached, the ability to get coached [11:05] and always come in with a low ego and be open to new coaching. [11:09] And that was a big thing at California. [11:11] It was a successful season. [11:13] But coming to Indiana, I realized I had so much more to learn. [11:16] And I always want to have exponential growth every single year. [11:18] And that is made by the process, the work ethic, and the inputs I do every single day. [11:23] And this is going to be a whole new chapter. [11:25] And I have so much more to grow. [11:26] And I know my best football is ahead of me. [11:28] So I'm really excited for the opportunity. [11:30] Hey, Fernando. [11:31] Sam Warren with Athletics. [11:33] You were just talking about the legacy of the Raiders. [11:36] This team has struggled in recent seasons, had four straight losing seasons. [11:41] Does the challenge of kind of restoring that legacy [11:44] and bringing success back to this franchise kind of excite you? [11:49] Well, I'm just looking forward to doing my 111th. [11:51] Every single play, every single game, every single season. [11:55] So I'm just really honored to be a part of this as a historic franchise [11:58] and looking forward to being a small part of the success in the future. [12:02] Hey, Fernando. [12:04] Welcome. [12:04] Taylor Rocha with KTNV. [12:08] Yesterday, you said that you were emotional all day. [12:10] You had to tell yourself to hold it in. [12:12] And then what really broke you was when your mom told you that she was proud of you. [12:17] Just why was that? [12:19] And what does it mean for you to have her in the building with you here today? [12:22] It means a lot. [12:23] Family is everything. [12:25] And I think it's the model of the Raiders. [12:27] Once a Raider, always a Raider. [12:28] And it means a lot to have my family by my side, whether it's in Miami or here in Las Vegas. [12:34] I'm a static to be a part of it. [12:36] There's a lot of emotions, especially as a young kid always wanting to play in the NFL. [12:41] And, you know, finally getting that call, there's going to be a lot of emotions. [12:44] But it's not about just making the NFL. [12:46] It's not the finish line. [12:47] It's about playing well in the NFL, lasting long in the NFL, and making an impact in the NFL. [12:52] So with the support of my family, new teammates and coaches, I'm looking forward to do that. [12:58] Hey, Fernando. [12:59] Kevin Bollinger, Fox 5, Las Vegas. [13:01] We often ask John and Clint their impressions about players through the draft process. [13:06] What was your impression of the Raiders organization as you went through the draft process? [13:10] Well, I'll say it was top notch. [13:12] When I came to my top 30 visit, I was blown away with everybody in the building, top to bottom. [13:18] You can see it's for sure a trickle-down effect, where everyone has a – everyone's first class. [13:23] Everyone's first class, and that starts with Coach Kubiak, Mr. Spitek, Mr. Davis, all the other owners. [13:30] I'm really excited to be a part of this organization. [13:33] And it's professionalism and the way that it's detailed-oriented, how they're going to give incredible effort, and just the process. [13:41] Hi, Fernando. [13:42] Alexabel Castro, News 3. [13:43] Welcome to Las Vegas. [13:44] You and your mom's relationship is so beautiful, and you've mentioned that she's your why. [13:51] Is there a memory you have during a hard time where she pushed you, or a conversation you guys had to keep following this dream that you're now living out? [14:00] Yeah, it was at my third season – after my third season at Berkeley, for a Cal. [14:04] I had just graduated, and at that point, my mom always saw more me than I saw myself at that time. [14:12] And she essentially pushed me to take a swing at trying to become a great NFL player. [14:19] And that first step was transferring and challenging myself, being in an uncomfortable environment. [14:23] Because when you're uncomfortable, you're able to grow. [14:25] And me stepping to the plate, and she said, hey, if you step to the plate, if you swing and you miss, at least in 20 years, you knew you did everything possible to try to accomplish your dream. [14:36] And I stepped to the plate, and luckily enough, I was able to hit a home run last year. [14:39] So she taught me to have unwavering optimism, and that fortune favors the bold. [14:44] And you've got to have unwavering optimism to believe in yourself and then achieve those goals. [14:49] We're going to wrap it up with Case, Lindsey, and Harry. [14:53] Hey, Fernando. [14:54] Case Key for Las Vegas Sun. [14:55] We just heard Clint talk about how impressed he was with your leadership in the 16-0 season. [15:00] John said something similar last night. [15:02] I'm guessing that couldn't have been easy, showing up in a new place and doing that. [15:05] What was the hardest part about that, and what did you learn out of that experience that you can bring to the Raiders as a rookie? [15:11] Well, I think the great thing about Indiana last year and Las Vegas Raiders this year is I'm showing up to a new place with fantastic leaders in every corner of the building, [15:20] whether it's offense, defense, special teams, coaches, operations, owners. [15:27] At every corner, there's fantastic leaders, and I'm excited to be a part of that and learn from those leaders. [15:33] And that's what I did at Indiana. [15:34] I stepped in there, tried to have the lowest ego possible, work my butt off, and earn it, because I believe that leadership is earned. [15:41] It's not given. [15:41] And so I look forward to learning from all the fantastic people in this organization, and hopefully one day becoming a good leader. [15:52] Lindsey Thierry with ESPN. [15:53] Clint, was there a time through the process that you just knew for certain that Fernando was your guy, [16:00] whether that be watching him, observing him at one of the pro day or an interaction that you had with him? [16:07] Yeah, when we went to the pro day and we got to see Fernando throw live in the way he ran that pro day, [16:12] and he, you know, bossed his teammates around, told them what route they were running and how accurately he threw the ball, [16:18] obviously his stature, and then took him upstairs and talked football with him and just, you know, [16:23] listen to him communicate the game and how well, how quickly he picked things up. [16:27] Very liked how he played the game on film, but seeing him in person was really helpful [16:33] and allowed us to watch film on a lot of other guys. [16:37] You know, we knew we had the guy. [16:40] Fernando, you played at two schools, Berkeley and Indiana, [16:42] but you actually played in three different conferences. [16:44] How much did that help you in the process to become a pro being in three different styles [16:49] with the Pac-12, ACC, and the Big Ten? [16:53] Yeah, not only did I play in three different conferences, [16:55] all four years of college I've had a new system. [16:57] I think it's been a great opportunity to learn every single year rather than find myself comfortable. [17:04] Evidently, like every quarterback and every coach wants to be in a system for a long time [17:07] so it can grow in the system. [17:08] But that change, whether it's conference, systems, it gave me an opportunity to learn, grow, [17:15] and establish a process on how to learn new systems, which I'm looking forward to using in this [17:21] and looking forward to taking all the coaching I can. [17:24] And I just feel like it's made me a versatile player that I can adapt to new game plan plays, [17:31] new systems. [17:32] I'm really excited to learn. [17:34] Great. [17:35] Thank you, gentlemen. [17:35] That concludes our press conference. [17:36] Photographers, please approach the front. [17:38] We'll have a quick photo opportunity. [17:40] Thank you. [17:40] God bless. [17:41] Thank you guys for coming. [17:41] Thank you. [18:41] Thank you. [18:41] Thank you. [18:41] Thank you. [18:42] Thank you. [18:42] Thank you. [18:43] Thank you. [18:44] Thank you. [18:45] Thank you. [18:46] Thank you. [18:47] Thank you. [18:48] Thank you. [18:49] Thank you. [18:51] Thank you. [18:52] Thank you. [18:53] Thank you. [18:54] Thank you. [18:55] Thank you. [18:56] Thank you. [18:57] Thank you. [18:58] Thank you. [18:59] Thank you. [19:00] Thank you. [19:01] Thank you. [19:02] Thank you. [19:03] Thank you. [19:04] Thank you. [19:05] Thank you. [19:06] Thank you. [19:07] Thank you. [19:08] Thank you. [19:09] Thank you.