Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins are now like best buds.
The two rookie quarterbacks for the Raiders are competing for the starting position in Las Vegas this season. They recently participated in a humorous spoof of “Step Brothers” for the team’s schedule announcement video. This seemed like a fun way to counter any doubts about their ability to coexist as competitors.
Mendoza and Cousins kicked things off on the Raiders’ practice field, mimicking iconic characters from the 2008 film—two foes who became friends.
“You can call me Kirko Chains,” Cousins quipped. He recently inked a five-year deal worth $172 million with the team.
“Cool,” Mendoza replied. He’s the top pick from the 2026 NFL Draft. “Please call me Nandolorian.”
Adding a twist to the characters Dale and Brennan, they toured the locker room, bonding over “Star Wars” and their favorite plays.
“Did we just become best friends?” Mendoza asked playfully.
“Yes!” they exclaimed in unison.
The full video runs just under three minutes and features scenes of the quarterbacks measuring their hands and checking out “a sword signed by Donny Osmond in Las Vegas.”
After some food in the film room and highlights from players like Ashton Giunty and Maxx Crosby, the Raiders finally revealed their 17-game schedule for the season.
While training camp is just around the corner and competition is bound to heat up, for now, things seem pretty amicable between the two. Just a friendly reminder though—let’s keep the peace and stay away from each other’s drum sets.
