Fernando Mendoza might be one of the most recognizable names in the Las Vegas Raiders organization, yet the rookie quarterback has barely been visible on the field.
That hasn’t stopped his name from making waves elsewhere, however, with influencer Alix Earle’s latest social media post creating fresh speculation about a possible connection between the two.
Earle recently posted a video from Las Vegas featuring ABBA’s classic song “Fernando.”
The choice immediately caught the attention of her followers, many of whom connected the track to the Raiders quarterback.
In the video, Earle is seen relaxing on a boat in front of the Bellagio fountains. Wearing a yellow dress, she smiles toward the camera, adjusts her hair and takes in the Las Vegas scenery as the famous song plays.
She didn’t mention Mendoza directly or explain why she selected the track.
Still, the timing has given social media plenty to discuss. Rumors connecting Earle and Mendoza have circulated for several weeks, and the song choice has inevitably been interpreted by some followers as a possible reference to the rookie.
Mendoza, meanwhile, has a very different kind of spotlight. The Indiana product arrived in Las Vegas as the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to a national championship.
Despite his draft status, he entered the regular season behind veteran Kirk Cousins. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak selected Cousins as the starter, leaving Mendoza as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.
Mendoza may be quiet, but he isn’t switching off
Mendoza’s lack of playing time doesn’t mean he’s simply watching from a distance. During the season opener, he wore his helmet on the sideline so he could hear the offensive play calls and follow the action as closely as possible.
The rookie has been taking that preparation remarkably seriously. He repeats the calls, studies defensive formations and mentally works through his progressions while Cousins runs the offense.
He has even simulated his own footwork and reads, effectively creating a one-man version of the game around him.
That dedication has drawn praise from those around the Raiders. Former NFL player and current Raiders radio analyst Kirk Morrison recently described Mendoza as extremely patient and fully aware that his current role is part of a longer development process.
“So there’s still a developmental process with Fernando Mendoza and he’s even doing that within the game,” said Morrison.
“I’ve never seen that before. All my years of playing football, covering the league, I’ve never seen the backup quarterback with his helmet on, reciting the plays, fully engaged in the football game.
“That is something that will help him out whenever he gets that opportunity to start at quarterback for the Raiders.”
Read the full article here
