# Fernando Mendoza embraces ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance as Raiders’ QB1, credits Kirk Cousins’ mentorship

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fernando-mendoza-embraces-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-as-raiders-qb1-credits-kirk-cousins-mentorship/
- Published: 2026-11-12T13:01:29+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T13:24:29+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/fernando-mendoza-embraces-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-raiders-qb1-credits-kirk-cousins-mentorship
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Mendoza makes his first regular-season start on Sunday.
- Cousins’ trade to Minnesota opened the starting role.
- The veteran mentored Mendoza during his time with the Raiders.

## Summary

Fernando Mendoza will make his first regular-season start for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, stepping in after veteran Kirk Cousins was traded to Minnesota. The No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft called the role a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, while saying he wants to approach it without making the moment bigger than it needs to be.

Mendoza credited his work and Cousins’ mentorship with helping him grow more confident and earn the trust of his teammates and coach Klint Kubiak. Tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Tre Tucker expressed confidence in the rookie ahead of his debut. Minnesota gave Las Vegas a third-round pick for Cousins, who had made nine starts and thrown for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.