Heritage Of Raiders Rookie QB Linked To Raiders Unique History

For many fans around the league, Fernando Mendoza is just another highly-drafted rookie quarterback trying to make his mark and earn a starting position. But Mendoza has some unique links between his heritage and the history of the Las Vegas Raiders, and he’s well aware of what's involved. 

Mendoza is a Cuban American, and when he was back in high school he watched quarterback Zach Calzada, who shares that heritage, and he wondere if there are any other Cuban and Hispanic quarterbacks who have played at the next level. 

Turns out the Raiders have him one-upped there, according to a report from Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Fans of the team’s history already know that Tom Flores was the first Hispanic quarterback to make his debut in the NFL when he played for the then-Oakland Raiders, who were part of the AFL during the early years of the team that is now in Las Vegas. 

Flores later went on to become a successful coach, and the Raiders also have quarterback Jim Plunkett as a connection to that heritage and the team’s history. Plunkett was the first quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy when he played at Stanford, and in 1981 he led the Raiders to a Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also named the MVP of that win. 

Mendoza is now continuing that legacy. He’ll be one of two first-round picks of Hispanic descent when he becomes a starter, which was the intent when the Raiders drafted him. 

The Raiders also have a large Hispanic fan base, and he said his background in that context “[means] a lot to him.” Mendoza wants winning a championship to be connected with his heritage, and he noted that it’s part of every decision he makes. 

Mendoza is currently waiting in the wings, as quarterback Kirk Cousins has played well and guided the Raiders to a 3-3 record so far.

But the Raiders also have a fan club known as Raiders Laguna for those who live in Mexico, and the president of that club, Fernando Paredes, a 45-year old Mexican who is founder and president of the club, said it’s a “dream” for Mendoza to be part of the organization. 

Plunkett has also commented on this, saying “we accomplished a lot of good things,” about his Super Bowl win, and he’s looking forward to watching Mendoza help the Raiders get back to the Super Bowl. It probably won’t happen right away, but for the first time in years, the Raiders are trending in a positive direction.