Fernando Mendoza is a rookie, but the Raiders quarterback already is making a name for himself when it comes to delivering some gems in interviews.
Mendoza was being interviewed by ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge on Thursday night and gave a hilarious, yet wholesome greeting to ESPN broadcaster Joe Buck.
“Please tell Mr. Buck I said hello,” Mendoza told Rutledge at the conclusion of their interview on the Raiders’ sideline.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza being interviewed during Thursday night’s preseason game by ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge. AP Photo/David J. PhillipRutledge asked Mendoza, “What about Mr. Aikman?” To which Mendoza replied, saying, “Of course, he’s a legend. But I think Mr. Buck needs more love.”
After Mendoza said his goodbyes following the interview, the camera panned to the broadcast booth of Buck and Troy Aikman, who were left in laughter.
“See, there it is, back to Mr. Buck — that’s the stuff,” Buck said during the broadcast.
The two said Mendoza always says the right things, and Aikman called him a “refreshing personality.”
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza during a preseason game against the Houston Texans. AP Photo/Ashley LandisMendoza’s infectious/wholesome personality has been on full display since he joined the Raiders’ quarterback room.
On Aug. 13, The Post reported that despite the Las Vegas Strip being considered one of the best areas for young adults to go party, he does not want any part of that and said: “It’s like a boogeyman.”
Boogeyman or not, it’s the words the Raiders’ front office probably wants to hear from its franchise quarterback.
It’s going to be a long journey for Mendoza, despite being selected as the No.1 overall pick after being crowned college football’s Heisman Trophy winner and leading Indiana to its first national championship in the sport last season.
Mendoza was stellar in his Raiders debut a week ago, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.
On Thursday, Mendoza showed he’s a rookie by having his “welcome-to-the-NFL moment” when he was intercepted and the pick six was returned 80 yards for a TD by the Texans.
Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, and the Raiders rallied for a 22-20 victory with a stellar second half after the rookie left the game.

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