Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza claims group has most Hispanic fan base

[ad_1] NEW Now you can take heed to Fox Information articles!

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed his new group has the "most Hispanic fan base" after going No. 1 general within the NFL Draft. Mendoza made the assertion throughout his introductory press convention for the group on Friday.

"The historical past of the Raiders, particularly the Hispanic historical past, is like no different. I consider it is most likely probably the most Hispanic fan base and legends like Mr. [Jim] Plunkett, like Mr. [Tom] Flores. I imply, all these legendary Hispanic idols and cornerstones of the franchise. It means loads as a Cuban American to come back to this franchise and assist attempt to carry the torch. However once more, I've acquired to show it, and I am actually trying ahead to connecting with the Hispanic group right here," Mendoza mentioned.

Mendoza himself is Cuban, because the descendant of Cuban refugees.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes in opposition to Miami throughout the first half of the Faculty Soccer Playoff nationwide championship recreation in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell)

After Fidel Castro seized management of Cuba and put in a communist regime, all 4 of Mendoza's grandparents fled the nation and got here to America.

"All of us thought it was momentary," Mendoza's maternal grandfather, Alberto Espino, beforehand instructed The Washington Post . "There was no method the USA would permit a communist regime 90 miles away."

However Castro's reign endured, so Espino and the Mendozas remained within the U.S. and constructed their lives as Individuals.

GENO SMITH REACTS TO REPORTED MOVE TO RAIDERS: 'GOD IS THE GREATEST

<source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/672/378/fernando-mendoza-college-football-playoff-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/1344/756/fernando-mendoza-college-football-playoff-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1 2x" height="378" width="672"><source media="(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)" srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/931/523/fernando-mendoza-college-football-playoff-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/1862/1046/fernando-mendoza-college-football-playoff-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1 2x" height="523" width="931"> Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza appears on throughout warmups earlier than the Faculty Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship recreation in opposition to the Miami Hurricanes at Arduous Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Pictures)

Mendoza is coming into the NFL after among the finest seasons by a quarterback in school soccer historical past for Indiana.

Now, because the quarterback of the Raiders, he can be beneath stress to hold one of many league's historic franchises back to prominence after a long time of underachieving.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, chosen because the No. 1 general decide within the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, speaks throughout a information convention on the Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures)

"It is an enormous duty, nevertheless it's additionally an enormous honor to honor the legacy. The Raiders are a core historic franchise and one of many faces of the NFL, and I really feel like, once more, I must show it and earn it each single day," Mendoza mentioned.

"Particularly as a rookie, nothing's given, and my perception in that every thing is earned. So, I will are available humble, attempt to set up myself with my work ethic and lead by instance, however on the finish of the day, it is all nice saying these phrases, however I've acquired to do it."

Comply with Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Jackson Thompson is a sports activities reporter for Fox Information Digital masking vital political and cultural points in sports activities, with an investigative lens. Jackson's reporting has been cited in federal authorities actions associated to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media shops together with The New York Occasions, The Los Angeles Occasions, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Related Press and ESPN.com.