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NFLPA Names Raiders’ Mendoza Top Rookie on Rising Stars

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The NFL Players Association released its Rising Stars list on Tuesday, naming Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 rookie.
The NFLPA projects Mendoza and nine other rookies—including Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate—to become future Top 50 licensed-product sellers.
The veteran list of ten players not yet on the Top 50 is led by Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and includes Bears tight end Colston Loveland and Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker.

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Story summary

The NFL Players Association released its Rising Stars list on Tuesday, naming Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 rookie.
The NFLPA projects Mendoza and nine other rookies—including Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate—to become future Top 50 licensed-product sellers.
The veteran list of ten players not yet on the Top 50 is led by Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and includes Bears tight end Colston Loveland and Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker.