Fernando Mendoza Shares What Kirk Cousins Meant To Him After Minnesota Vikings Trade

Fernando Mendoza prepares for his first start as the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback© X/@NFL

Fernando Mendoza had spent months learning from Kirk Cousins, but their time together in Las Vegas ended sooner than he expected. The Minnesota Vikings traded for the veteran quarterback ahead of the NFL deadline, leaving the rookie to take charge of the Las Vegas Raiders' offense. With his first NFL start just days away, Mendoza used his Wednesday press conference to speak about the man who helped prepare him for this opportunity. His message was not just about  football, as he thanked Cousins and his family for the support they had given him.

Fernando Mendoza shares his thoughts on Kirk Cousins' exit

Mendoza made sure his first words as the Raiders' new starting quarterback included a thank-you to his former teammate. He spoke warmly about Cousins' wife, Julie, and their children, Cooper and Turner, who had welcomed him into their home during their time in Las Vegas.

The 23-year-old explained that Cousins never treated him like a young player who was simply waiting for his turn. Instead, the veteran shared his knowledge freely, helping Mendoza understand the demands of an NFL quarterback.

Fernando Mendoza on Kirk Cousins: "I really, truly, from the bottom of my heart wanted to thank Kirk and the entire Cousins family, whether it was Julie, Cooper, or Turner. They've as a family, done so much for me. They've essentially taken me in to their household when they were here, and they welcomed me with open arms. It would have been really easy for Kirk, being a veteran quarterback and already proved everything, to be a little bit more dismissive. But he had me with open arms and has taught me so many things, whether it was film study, how to operate as a starting quarterback, all the different multifaceted approaches that have made him so successful throughout his career. He has shared with no restrictions and no constraints. I really appreciate him and it was heartfelt to see him (go), as he was a great mentor."

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"It would've been really easy for Kirk to, you know, being a veteran quarterback and kind of already have proven everything to be a little bit more dismissive, but he had me with open arms," Mendoza said.

He added that Cousins taught him about film study, running an offense and the different ways a quarterback could prepare for games.

The rookie admitted he had no idea the Vikings were going to trade for Cousins.

“I really appreciate him, and it was heartfelt to see him (go), as he was a great mentor,” Mendoza added.

Kirk Cousins helped prepare Mendoza for his first NFL start

There was more to their relationship than the time spent in meetings and practice. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Cousins had told his agent that Mendoza was ready for his opportunity.

The veteran had reportedly enjoyed playing under head coach Klint Kubiak but understood that the rookie's turn would come.

That assessment now has a chance to show on the field. Mendoza will make his first NFL start against the Seattle Seahawks, whose defense has allowed the fewest total yards per game this season.

The Raiders have backed their rookie ahead of the difficult test. Tight end Brock Bowers said the team had faith in him, while wide receiver Tre Tucker praised his consistency in practice.

Cousins, meanwhile, left his own message for the rookie before heading to Minnesota. "Go get em fernandomendoza," he wrote on Instagram.

Mendoza responded with a thank-you of his own, closing a chapter that had given him much more than a few months of experience.