Mendoza Embraces Legacy in NFL with No. 15 Jersey
After the NFL Draft, a significant choice for many rookies is deciding which jersey number to wear at the start of their careers. It’s not always straightforward, especially if someone else already has that number or if it’s retired.
Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders’ first pick, ran into a little trouble with the No. 15, but that didn’t stop the former player associated with that number from extending his congratulations.
Tom Flores, a former quarterback and coach for the Raiders, announced that Mendoza would don No. 15 next season. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores remarked, conveying his support. He humorously added, “Because if he’s not real, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
Though the Raiders never officially retired Flores’ number, he made it clear how much he values the legacy associated with it. Mendoza had made a name for himself at Indiana University wearing that same number.
Flores praised Mendoza, noting, “He’s perfect. He can make all the throws. He can call the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s just exciting to watch.” During his time with the Raiders from 1960 to 1966, Flores achieved impressive stats, throwing for over 11,000 yards and 92 touchdowns—he also played for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.
After retiring, Flores returned as coach, leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl win in 1981. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
When asked about receiving Flores’ blessing for No. 15, Mendoza expressed gratitude. “This speaks to the legacy of once being a Raider and always being a Raider. It reflects how engaged our alumni are, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization,” he noted, visibly appreciative.
He added, “I can’t thank you enough. [Flores] is just… he’s a legend. I feel so blessed.”
As Mendoza steps into his NFL journey as the top overall pick, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding him, especially with the hope of revitalizing the proud tradition of the Raiders. He’s set to join the rookie class at minicamp on Friday.
