While there is a strong possibility the Las Vegas Raiders have their future quarterback on the roster in Fernando Mendoza, he is also receiving guidance from former New England Patriots quarterback and current Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, one of the most accomplished players in NFL history. The relationship between Brady and Mendoza has become an intriguing storyline for the organization, as the young quarterback continues learning from someone who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Speaking recently with the Raiders YouTube channel, Mendoza offered a fascinating glimpse into the advice Brady has shared despite generally preferring to keep their conversations private.
Brady and Mendoza: A Teacher and Student Relationship
“I usually like to keep the talks between Tom and me private. But I do think what he said as a quarterback is you need to be the most everything. You need to be the most competitive.”
What Brady told Mendoza gives a window into how the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback differentiates between good and great quarterbacks. Even the most physically gifted passer is not bound for Canton without a mental advantage, the lesson that Brady preached when he told his rookie quarterback to be the “most competitive.” To have that identity, a rookie would need to make demands of every person inside that locker room not on just where they could meet him on the field. That could be of more use to the second-year passer in 2021 than throwing for hundreds of yards against inferior defenses.
Brady and Mendoza: Leadership and Toughness are Paramount
Mendoza further expanded upon Brady’s advice and how one becomes the “most everything.”
“You need to be the most leader — you have to have the most leadership. You need to be the toughest, mentally and physically. You’ve got to embody all these things and lead by example before getting the respect from your teammates, in order to lead effectively. That really resonated with me,” Mendoza said.
As Mendoza points out with his retelling of Brady’s story, though, it was much more than just winning football games or accumulating gaudy numbers. The lesson from the GOAT in this story is about commanding the respect of your peers with what you do day-to-day, not assuming you’ll receive it because your job title. Brady himself built his legacy on preparing, accountability, and leading by example; and we are seeing much of the same message being shared.
Mendoza seemingly found something valuable because Brady’s advice is a “how to guide” to commanding respect in an NFL locker room.
If Brady and Mendoza’s discussions have a common theme, it is that leadership must be earned. Before a quarterback can ask others to follow him, he has to act and behave in ways those around him can believe in.
Brady and Mendoza Are Building a Foundation
As the Raiders continue preparing for the 2026 season, the relationship between Brady and Mendoza could become one of the more intriguing storylines within the organization.
Mendoza clearly possesses the talent that made him a promising quarterback prospect, but the lessons he is receiving from one of the greatest players in NFL history may prove equally valuable. If Brady and Mendoza continue working together and those leadership principles translate to the field, the Raiders may be developing more than just a quarterback. They may be developing a future leader for the franchise.
