Fernando Mendoza may be the new face of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he is not walking into the locker room alone.
The No. 1 overall pick instantly brings expectations, pressure, and attention, especially at quarterback. But what often matters just as much is what happens behind the scenes once the spotlight fades.
And in Mendoza’s case, one of the Raiders’ biggest leaders has already made sure that transition is as smooth as possible.
Because long before the regular season begins, relationships inside the locker room are already taking shape, and this one could end up being crucial.
Speaking via The Rush podcast, Crosby revealed that his connection with the rookie quarterback started even before draft night.
“I know everybody’s fired up that he’s part of our team now. I had the chance to have a great conversation with him when he came on his visit.
“I got to chop it up with him a little bit, and then on draft night, got on FaceTime and talked to him,” Crosby said.
That early interaction matters. It shows Mendoza was already building relationships within the organization before officially becoming the franchise’s centerpiece.
For a player stepping into such a high-pressure role, having that kind of welcome can make a real difference.
Crosby also made it clear that the connection did not stop there.
“We’ve been texting back and forth ever since. I’m really fired up for him, excited to take him under my wing and help him out, show him the way, and just encourage him to be himself and lead in his own way.
“So, fired up for him and his family. I know it was a big moment,” Crosby further stated.
That kind of support from a veteran leader is exactly what teams hope for when they bring in a young quarterback.
Crosby has established himself as one of the emotional and competitive anchors of the Raiders, and his willingness to guide Mendoza adds another layer to the rookie’s situation.
Instead of being left to figure things out alone, Mendoza is stepping into a locker room where leadership is already reaching out to him.
And if that dynamic continues, it could play a big role in how quickly he adjusts to life in the NFL.
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