Maxx Crosby Sends Message to Fernando Mendoza After Being Drafted by Raiders
As many anticipated, the Las Vegas Raiders drafted there quarterback of the future on Thursday night with the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Indiana Hoosiers’ Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza transferred from California to Indiana last season and his entire world changed very quickly. After leading the Hoosiers to a Big Ten title, the College Football Playoff, and a national championship victory, along with winning the Heisman Trophy, his stock surged, with little doubt in the months leading up to the draft who would hear there name called first.
Now, however, it starts over and it seems he understands that as he’ll likely begin the season as the backup behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins.
"I believe I'm still the underdog. I can tell you right now, I'm not one of the 32 quarterbacks,” Mendoza said. “I'm at the bottom of the totem pole right now. I gotta earn the respect of my teammates. I'm ready to do whatever the team needs.”
More news: 2026 NFL Draft: Wrapping Up the First Round's Biggest Winner and Losers
More news:AJ Brown's Fate Sealed After Eagles' Big Draft Day Trade
Mendoza is already being embraced by some of his new teammates, as star pass rusher Maxx Crosby had an immediate message for him shortly after he was selected by the Raiders.
"LFG!!!! Welcome to the Darkside, brother," Crosby posted, retweeting Mendoza's message that read, "Let's get to work Raider Nation!"
For a while, it seemed Maxx Crosby might not even be teammates with Fernando Mendoza after he was briefly traded to the Baltimore Ravens - a deal that ultimately fell through due to a failed physical.
He then returned to Las Vegas and has since appeared to recommit to the franchise, after previously requesting a trade amid frustration over the team's lack of postseason success, including just one playoff appearance during his seven-year tenure.
More news: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 Key Storylines To Keep An Eye On
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 9:18 AM.