Moments before Fernando Mendoza was set to make his Raiders debut on Thursday night at Allegiant Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals, his younger brother Max Mendoza had a heartfelt interaction with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.
During the Raiders pregame festivities, Max was seen walking down the Raiders sideline, where he would run into Brady, who was just as excited to see him.
Brady quickly greeted Mendoza’s little brother with a handshake and hug, complimenting him on his Las Vegas Raiders jacket.
“I like that jacket; I have one just like that.”
Brady then admitted that Max’s jacket was somewhat unique and was jealous of it.
“How can I get one like that?” Brady said.
Max Mendoza continued to talk with the former seven-time Super Bowl winner before kickoff.
The festivities continued throughout the night for Max. He made an appearance on the Raiders broadcast, where he was being interviewed by Jason Horowitz, former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, and linebacker Kirk Morrison.
Max Mendoza continued to sport his Raiders jacket and was also seen wearing his older brother’s No.15 jersey.
Max Mendoza’s jacket, of course, was the center of the conversation in the broadcast booth as Gannon was raving about it and said, “I’m kinda digging this jacket. I don’t think he’s going to get out of here with it,” Gannon said jokingly.
While Max Mendoza was busy being in the booth, Fernando was putting on an encouraging performance for Raiders fans.
Fernando Mendoza entered the game late in the first quarter on the Raiders’ second drive after starting quarterback Kirk Cousins opened the game with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
The rookie quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and 1 touchdown pass. That came in the second quarter on a 6-yard completion up the middle to second-year wide receiver Jack Bech, leaving Allegiant Stadium erupting in cheers.
Mendoza saw two more series’ under center before coming out came early in the fourth quarter.
Las Vegas would go on to lose the game, 27-14.
But clearly that is irrelevant, to both Mendoza’s.