How Maxx Crosby reacted to Fernando Mendoza joining the Raiders

TL;DR

Maxx Crosby welcomed new Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza on social media after the team selected him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, is seen as a highly decorated prospect.

Key points

Maxx Crosby welcomed Fernando Mendoza on social media
Mendoza was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy winner
Crosby has been a key player for the Raiders defense
Mendoza is compared to Joe Burrow as a top prospect

Heisman TrophyNFL Draft 2026Joe BurrowLas Vegas Raiders

How Maxx Crosby reacted to Fernando Mendoza joining the Raiders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby did not wait long. Minutes after the franchise selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, Crosby went straight to X with a message directly to his new teammate.

"LFG!!!! Welcome To The Darkside Brother," Crosby wrote, tagging Mendoza's account and adding three pirate flag emojis.

Mendoza arrived as the Heisman Trophy winner, the national champion, and the most decorated college quarterback prospect since Joe Burrow.

Crosby has carried this Raiders defense through the years; maybe Mendoza's arrival will change the picture

2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

The Raiders went 3-14 last season. They cycled through seven different starting quarterbacks over the past three years, compiling a 15-36 record in that span.

Crosby was there for all of it, playing at an elite level while the franchise struggled to find direction. Watching a quarterback of Mendoza's caliber come through the door is a different experience from anything Crosby has had in .

Q&A

What did Maxx Crosby say about Fernando Mendoza joining the Raiders?

Maxx Crosby welcomed Fernando Mendoza by saying, 'LFG!!!! Welcome To The Darkside Brother,' on social media.

Who is Fernando Mendoza and why is he significant to the Raiders?

Fernando Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him a highly anticipated addition to the Raiders.

How does Fernando Mendoza compare to previous quarterback prospects?

Fernando Mendoza is considered the most decorated college quarterback prospect since Joe Burrow, highlighting his impressive achievements.