{"id":283308,"date":"2026-04-24T05:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/283308\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T05:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:34:09","slug":"fernando-mendoza-gives-fresno-fans-renewed-raiders-optimism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/283308\/","title":{"rendered":"Fernando Mendoza gives Fresno fans renewed Raiders optimism"},"content":{"rendered":"

The moment the Las Vegas Raiders turned in the card and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the name Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 NFL draft, it marked more than just another draft pick. It signaled something deeper for a fan base that has been waiting and searching for stability under center.<\/p>\n

For Arthur Perez, president and founder of Raider Central Valley in Fresno, this wasn\u2019t just another offseason move.<\/p>\n

It felt different.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel good about it,\u201d said Perez, who was joined by the rest of his booster club. \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking for a quarterback for some time. Carr was the last hope. It hasn\u2019t been the same since then. I\u2019m feeling very confident in our team.\u201d<\/p>\n

That confidence hasn\u2019t come easily.<\/p>\n

The Raiders have been seeking answers at quarterback since 2023, trying to recapture the consistency they once had during the 2000-2003 seasons.<\/p>\n

Since Carr\u2019s departure \u2014 their last true cornerstone at the position \u2014 the revolving door has left fans restless, hopeful, and often disappointed, especially after seeing only two playoff appearances in 2016 and 2021.<\/p>\n

Perez hopes those misfortunes turn around with the addition of Mendoza, though he\u2019s quick to say he doesn\u2019t want the rookie to start right away.<\/p>\n

After all, the Raiders have veteran Kirk Cousins to mentor Mendoza.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just needed that key to turn that lock,\u201d he said. \u201cTo unlock everything, that\u2019s the quarterback. One thing I hope is true is that they don\u2019t start him right away. Don\u2019t just throw him in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:34 PM.<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz<\/a><\/p>\n

The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He\u2019s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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