Fernando Mendoza's mom opens up about his relationship with Tom Brady

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has a unique relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.

While Brady is Mendoza's "boss" as it pertains to the Raiders' football operations, the seven-time Super Bowl champion is also serving as a mentor for the young signal-caller.

During a recent chat with Skyler Caruso of People, Mendoza's mom opened up about her son's relationship with Brady. 

Tom Brady has had an "open" door for Fernando Mendoza, family

"He’s such a kind person, and he’s everything you would expect and more," Elsa Mendoza said about Brady. "You would think that, being everything he’s accomplished and all the records he’s broken, that he would be somebody untouchable. He is so kind. He has always made us feel like the door’s open."

Earlier this year, Brady shared that he spoke with Fernando Mendoza "all the time" throughout springtime workouts. Brady also discussed wanting Mendoza to focus on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of being a QB1 and an offensive CEO at the highest level. 

"Anytime we need him to call, he’s been so welcoming to Fernando, helps Fernando with any questions, tells Fernando there’s an open line of communication. He’s also offered that to us," Elsa continued. "I mean, I could not want a better mentor for my son. He is a kind person, a good person, an excellent football player."

Fernando Mendoza's family knows he's lucky

One couldn't blame Fernando Mendoza for feeling at least a little upset at Brady heading into the fall. After all, it's no secret that Brady urged first-year Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak to start veteran Kirk Cousins over the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

That said, it's clearly a matter of when and not if Mendoza will take over as the Raiders' starter.

"I can honestly tell you there is no one else that I would want to mentor my son besides Tom Brady," Elsa added. 

For now, Fernando Mendoza should be a spectator when the 1-0 Raiders play at the 0-1 Los Angeles Chargers this coming Sunday. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Las Vegas as a 6.5-point road underdog for that contest.