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Fernando Mendoza interviews with ESPN during Raiders preseason game

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:30 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Fernando Mendoza interviews with ESPN during Raiders preseason game
Summary

Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick, participated in his second preseason game with the Las Vegas Raiders against the Houston Texans on August 20. During a fourth-quarter interview with ESPN's Laura Rutledge, Mendoza, despite throwing a pick-six, expressed his admiration for ESPN announcer Joe Buck, asking Rutledge to send his greetings. Buck and Troy Aikman, who joined in the interview, appreciated Mendoza's refreshing personality and made light of the exchange. This broadcast marked ESPN's season opener for NFL coverage.

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By the Numbers
  • •Mendoza played in his second preseason game on August 20.
  • •He threw a pick-six but remained upbeat during the interview.
  • •Mendoza expressed admiration for Joe Buck and Troy Aikman during the broadcast.
  • •The game was an important part of ESPN's first NFL broadcast of the season.
Latest Updates
  • 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Kyle Brandt breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s three different personalities
  • 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza sends ‘love’ to ‘Mr. Buck’ on ESPN broadcast
What they're saying
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, got another taste of NFL action on Thursday night in Las Vegas’ second preseason game. The game was also ESPN’s first NFL broadcast of the 2026-27 campaign, and the rookie gave the Worldwide Leader another memorable television interview. Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck…

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2026 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza played his second preseason game on Thursday night for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Houston Texans. It also made for ESPN’s first broadcast of this football season. Despite a performance that featured throwing a pick-six, Mendoza remained in good spirits and delivered yet another memorable…

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