Full Breakdown
Fernando Mendoza’s Viral Interview and Pick-Six Highlight Raiders Preseason
8/22/2026, 8:09:18 AM
Core Event
During the Las Vegas Raiders’ 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza both captured national attention with a light-hearted sideline interview and endured a costly turnover. In the fourth quarter, ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge prompted Mendoza to address play-by-play announcer Joe Buck. Mendoza replied, “Please tell Mr. Buck I say, ‘Hello.’” The exchange prompted laughter from Buck, analyst Troy Aikman and the broadcast crew. A few minutes later, on the Raiders’ opening offensive drive, Mendoza’s first pass was intercepted by Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz and returned 80 yards for a touchdown.
Background & Context
Mendoza entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to its first national championship. The Raiders selected him to become the franchise’s future face, pairing him with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins for mentorship. Preseason games serve as the primary venue for the rookie to gain live-game reps while the coaching staff evaluates his readiness for a potential Week 1 start.
Data & Statistics
- First preseason game (vs. Arizona Cardinals): 10-of-16 completions, 97 yards, 1 TD.
- Second preseason game (vs. Houston Texans): 8-of-15 completions, 86 yards, 0 TDs, 1 interception (pick-six).
- Overall preseason totals (two games): 18-of-31 completions (58.1 %); 183 yards; 1 TD; 1 INT.
- Pass protection: Sacked once for an 11-yard loss; pressured six times.
- Defensive play: Woodaz’s interception occurred on Mendoza’s first pass of the drive after a play-fake to rookie RB Mike Washington Jr.
Official Statements & Responses
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized Mendoza’s effort after the turnover, noting that the rookie chased Woodaz down the sideline and attempted a diving tackle, demonstrating “toughness and effort” valued by the team. Kubiak also stressed the broader developmental plan, stating that giving Mendoza full-half preseason reps is intended to accelerate his growth, even as Kirk Cousins remains the presumed Week 1 starter.
Joe Buck praised Mendoza’s on-camera demeanor, describing it as “the stuff” that makes for engaging broadcasts. Troy Aikman echoed the sentiment, calling Mendoza “a refreshing personality.” Both comments were made immediately after the interview concluded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please tell Mr. Buck I say, ‘Hello.'” — Fernando Mendoza
- “You see, there it is. Back to Mr. Buck,” — Joe Buck
- “What a refreshing personality he is,” — Troy Aikman, buck and analyst
- “The response, that’s who he is,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “I probably should have checked it down to the flat,” — Fernando Mendoza
- “We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
These quotations capture Mendoza’s greeting to Buck, Buck’s reaction, Aikman’s appraisal, and Coach Kubiak’s reflections on Mendoza’s response to the pick-six and the team’s approach to preseason development.
