Raiders Legend Tom Flores Blesses No. 1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza to Wear No. 15

Las Vegas Raiders first overall pick Fernando Mendoza wanted to wear No. 15, but the number belongs to franchise legend Tom Flores. Flores, who wore it as a player and later coached the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory, gave his blessing.

"He's perfect," Flores said of the Heisman Trophy winner. "He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can't he do? He does it all. He's fun to watch."

Flores played for the Raiders from 1960-66, throwing for over 11,000 yards and 92 touchdowns. After retiring, he coached the team to a Super Bowl win in 1981 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Mendoza expressed gratitude: "It speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider… I'm so blessed."

Mendoza joins the Raiders' rookie class at minicamp Friday.