Fernando Mendoza reveals coach Klint Kubiak’s first message after Raiders picked him No. 1 overall

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Fernando Mendoza’s NFL journey officially began with a moment he had been waiting for his entire life.

But beyond the emotions of hearing his name called No. 1 overall, it was the message he received immediately after that is already shaping how he views the road ahead.

For the Raiders’ new franchise quarterback, the draft night excitement quickly turned into something more grounded.

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Fernando Mendoza opens up on emotional draft moment after Las Vegas Raiders’ call

Mendoza reflected on the life-changing moment via NBC Sports, describing exactly what it felt like when the call finally came through.

“There’s been a lot of anticipation whether I was going to end up here,” Mendoza said. “And nothing was ever for certain except for tonight, so when I saw that call, I got a whole lot of chills on my entire body, and I was ecstatic. There’s a lot of emotion even right now.”

The moment captured everything that comes with being the top pick. Months of speculation, pressure and uncertainty all came together in a single phone call that confirmed his future.

For Mendoza, it was not just validation of his journey, but the beginning of a new chapter where expectations will be higher than ever.

Klint Kubiak’s message sets the tone for Mendoza’s next chapter