As Fernando Mendoza has been getting settled into his first NFL Training Camp, the Raiders are hoping he can be for their offense what Maxx Crosby is for their defense.
According to Levi Damien of The Raiders Wire, Crosby has been a major help in developing Mendoza as the future leader of the Raiders.
“He’s a fantastic competitor. The intellect that he’s been able to give me and the advice,” Mendoza said of Crosby. “Everyone has seen how much he’s grown since his rookie year to now being the All-Pro [caliber] superstar that he is. The little bits of wisdom.”
Crosby is about to enter his eighth season in the NFL and has experienced everything the league has to offer. He’s been to the playoffs, he’s endured losing seasons, dealt with injuries, and even dealt with almost being traded.
In March, Crosby was almost traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but after a failed physical, he was sent back to Las Vegas.
Since coming back, Crosby put all trade speculations to rest and has been focused on remaining a Raider.
It’s no secret the level of importance Crosby has to the Raiders organization.
He is third on the team’s all-time sack leaderboard with 69.5 career sacks. He’s also one of three players on the roster, and the only one on defense, that were a part of the team’s relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Maybe most importantly, Crosby is the captain of the defense.
“I understand that defensive end and quarterback are two different positions, but the mentality of attacking, and being a leader of the team, and growing within your career are the same,” Mendoza said of Crosby. “So I really look up to him and any bits of advice that he’s given me, I’ve taken to heart.”
For over 20 years, the quarterback position has been a revolving carousel for the Raiders, as they’ve been in a drought at the position.
Last April, the Raiders drafted Mendoza with the No.1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft; they became hopeful that he could help reshape the team’s offense like Crosby has done to the defense.
Mendoza is fresh from having the season of a lifetime. He became the first Indiana player to win the Heisman and also lead the school to a National Championship.
Since Miami, Florida native started practicing with the Raiders this past spring, he’s been impressive and has already shown why the organization thinks so highly of him.
Mendoza’s former college coach Curt Cignetti has been on record as saying his former quarterback is committed to being great.
Former NFL great and Raiders co-owner Tom Brady has praised Mendoza in the past for his leadership skills and his ability to play quarterback. Brady has made it known that he will be available to help his young quarterback with whatever he needs.
While the future of what the Raiders will be is unknown, Mendoza brings promise.
