Former Raiders MVP Rich Gannon had high remarks for Las Vegas’ No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in his personalized message for the franchise’s new quarterback on Thursday, according to SiriusXM NFL Radio. Gannon sung to the choir while lauding Mendoza for what he envisions the Raiders’ future franchise quarterback bringing to the team as soon as next season.

“Congratulations on being the first overall pick in the NFL draft,” Gannon said. “I know Raider nation is so excited to have you come to Vegas and be our starting quarterback. I have great respect for your body of work and what you were able to accomplish at Indiana, winning a national championship, and I think you bring physical and mental toughness to that position, which is so important in the NFL.”

Fernando Mendoza to the @Raiders 🏴‍☠️@RichGannon12 with a message for the No. 1 pick of the 2026 @NFL Draft!📻 https://t.co/ctSTwSJFcr#NFLDraft | #RaiderNation | #Raiders pic.twitter.com/gttyx9QNiR

Mendoza was the expected No. 1 overall pick throughout the entire pre-draft process. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2025, having thrown for 3,535 yards, and led the nation in passing touchdowns with 41. Mendoza has been lauded as a transformative quarterback that has the potential to elevate the Raiders’ offense, which Gannon echoed in his message to Las Vegas’ top pick.

Gannon was a named a first-team All-Pro twice in his six years spent with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1999-2004. He helped the Raiders reach the Super Bowl at the end of the 2002 season, the same year he took home AP NFL MVP honors.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Rich Gannon sends message to Raiders’ No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza