The Las Vegas Raiders’ number 1 pick also fascinates a team legend. She gives her blessing for Mendoza’s new jersey number.

Jersey numbers are often sacred. When legends retire, they are often no longer assigned to honor the player.

The Las Vegas Raiders don’t do that, which is why Fernando Mendoza was given the number 15. This is the number of legend Tom Flores, who led the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories after his active coaching career.

The 89-year-old officially gave his blessing.

“He has earned my blessing,” Flores said, according to the official team website. “Because if he’s not the ‘real deal,’ then I don’t know what I’m doing here.”

Flores thinks the first pick of the past draft is “perfect. He can throw every pass. He makes the plays. What can’t he actually do? He can do everything. It’s fun to watch him … And he looks good, too. Just like me.”

Las Vegas Raiders: 15 is always reassigned

But you have to know that the 15 has been reassigned for decades. Among the quarterbacks to wear it were Mike Rae (1976/77), Jeff Hostetler (1993 to 1996), Matt Flynn (2013), Gardner Minshew II (2024) and Kenny Pickett (2025).

Other players have also worn the jersey, such as John Stone (2004), Jonnie Lee Higgins (2007-2010), Michael Crabtree (2015-2017), JJ Nelson (2019), Nelson Agholor (2020) and Jaylon Smith (2023).

Despite this, the award symbolizes the hope that Mendoza can also leave his mark on the franchise. Preferably with a Super Bowl win or two.

Written by Thomas Maier