
Fernando Mendoza is one of the quarterbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026, and his only competition for the starting role is veteran Kirk Cousins. Ahead of the new season, both Mendoza and Cousins have been getting the royal treatment from the Las Vegas locals, including the Vegas Golden Knights.
Last month, Cousins appeared and cranked the siren before Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena. It was a Q1 move, but now, Mendoza has also made a high-profile appearance at a Golden Knights game.
Mendoza, of course, is largely expected to become the team's franchise quarterback, but since it's difficult to go straight from rookie to franchise quarterback in the NFL, even when you're a Heisman Trophy winner, Cousins is in Vegas to help. On Saturday, Mendoza showed up at the Knights game and sounded the siren before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
ESPN shared the moment on X, stating, "The reigning Heisman winner and the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 pick is in the building for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final."
FERNANDO MENDOZA DOIN' THAT HOCKEY
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2026
The reigning Heisman winner and the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 pick is in the building for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final pic.twitter.com/DIlNZN7JPc
Now, that post is up to nearly 1 million views, and it's climbing. People are getting a kick out of seeing Mendoza in the house and showing his loyalty to the Vegas sports teams.
Cousins is expected to start in the Raiders' first game of the season, but it's possible, even likely, that Mendoza will take over during the season. Either way, it's an exciting time for Vegas fans.
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