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NFLFeature
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza reveals ideal mentality ahead of rookie season
TL;DR
Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' rookie quarterback, discusses his mindset as he transitions from a leader at Indiana to a backup role in the NFL. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to a new environment and learning from experienced teammates.
Key points
- Fernando Mendoza is a rookie quarterback for the Raiders.
- He was a leader at Indiana before joining the NFL.
- Mendoza is expected to start as a backup in his rookie season.
Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaNFL
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza reveals ideal mentality ahead of rookie season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When a quarterback is taken high in the draft, the expectation is that they will assume a leadership role straight away, but that might not be the case for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
With the No. 1 overall pick coming to the Raiders and seen to be a backup to begin his career, he's gone from a big fish in a little pond to a little fish in a big pond.
He's got to start the climb again after being a leader at Indiana.
And that's not lost on Mendoza, who knows that if he wants to be the leader he needs to be for his franchise, he's got to start at the bottom, and earn it.
“Coming a new organization, starting from the bottom of the totem pole, I believe that leadership is earned, not given,” Mendoza said. “There’s so many amazing leaders on this team. Especially the quarterback, there’s two things you need to be a leader. Number one, you gotta play well. Play well, others will respect you.
"You gotta do your job before you can hold other people accountable. And, number two, you gotta create equity, whether it’s work ethic, whether it’s caring about your teammates, connect with them on a personal level. Just being one of the guys.”
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Q&A
What is Fernando Mendoza's role with the Las Vegas Raiders?
Fernando Mendoza is a rookie quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, expected to start as a backup.
How did Fernando Mendoza's college experience influence his mentality for the NFL?
Mendoza's experience as a leader at Indiana has shaped his approach as he adapts to a new role in the NFL.
What challenges does Fernando Mendoza face as a rookie quarterback?
Mendoza faces the challenge of transitioning from being a top player in college to a backup in the NFL, requiring him to adjust his leadership style and learn from veterans.
