First Thing Raiders Rookie Fernando Mendoza Does Is Thank God After Strong Play In NFL Debut

August 14, 2026 10:27 AM ET After further evaluation, I like this kid.Following strong play Thursday night in his NFL preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals, the first thing that Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza did was thank God.“First, I want to thank God and my teammates and coaches for allowing me the opportunity,” said Mendoza while speaking with the media, per OutKick. “Today was an invigorating experience where there’s not many moments where you feel fully alive, and on the field is when you feel fully alive, especially in the NFL atmosphere. (RELATED: Rams’ Puka Nacua Explains Injury That Left Him Bleeding From Face After Running Into Door At Michael Rubin Party)“So I want to give thanks for that. It was great to get out there, get my feet wet … I think