Tom Brady offers NFL rookies 'non-negotiable' advice as Fernando Mendoza begins Raiders career

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza now officially has Las Vegas Raiders minority owner and living legend Tom Brady as a boss and a mentor after the Raiders made Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on the night of April 23. 

In the latest edition of his "199" newsletter, Brady offered Mendoza and other rookies some advice about beginning their pro careers. 

Fernando Mendoza should probably agree with Tom Brady on this "non-negotiable" thing

"The first priority every person should have is their physical and mental health," Brady wrote. "I will never tell you what to do with your life, but to me, this is a non-negotiable. You can’t achieve maximum desired impact in anything you do if you don’t take care of yourself physically and mentally. I would argue it’s impossible. If you’re sick, people are taking care of you. What are you taking care of?"

Of course, Brady earned seven Super Bowl rings en route to being recognized as the GOAT during his once-in-a-generation career. Meanwhile, Mendoza reportedly "became a TB12 disciple" long before the promising prospect emerged as the top quarterback of his draft class. 

Mendoza has since shared that he views himself as an "underdog" similar to how Brady was viewed when the future Hall of Famer was selected by the New England Patriots with the 199th pick of the 2000 draft. Brady allegedly has empowered Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak to develop Mendoza as they see fit. However, one would think Brady will have some say regarding when Mendoza will replace veteran Kirk Cousins as Las Vegas' QB1. 

Tom Brady: Rookies must be "obsessed" with the right things

"I think it comes down to finding things you're obsessed with," Brady added in his advice for members of the 2026 draft class. "Things that stimulate your head, your heart or your wallet. If you find something that does all three, like football did for me, then you've truly hit the jackpot. But something doesn’t have to stimulate all three areas to become a priority. Having kids is like that. Doing charity work is like that. Most hobbies are like that."

In Mendoza, the Raiders reportedly drafted a "driven kid with a maniacal work ethic." That would lead one to believe that, like Brady, Mendoza will be "obsessed" with being the best at his craft.