Sports

Raiders quarterback dubbed NFL Sesame Street of QBs: 'Brought to you by No. 1'

Nairavoice · Aug 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Las Vegas Raiders and former Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making strides in Raiders training camp, receiving first-team reps alongside presumed starter Kirk Cousins.

Mendoza’s take on his first NFL training camp gave ‘The Rich Eisen Show‘ reason to dub the rookie QB with the moniker: “Sesame Street of QBs”.

Raiders quarterback battle: Fernando Mendoza vs Kirk Cousins

Mendoza − the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft − reportedly received extra reps with the first-team offense in place of Cousins on Tuesday.

After practice, Mendoza gushed to the media about his current NFL experience.

“To get some reps with the ones against the superstars on their defense − and obviously their twos are fantastic, as well,” Mendoza began. “We got so much work, whether it was move the ball first down, third down, red zone, two-minute. There are so many situations, and I believe overall it was a positive day.

“There were plays that I loved and plays that I wish I had back, but in reality, that’s a lie. I wish I didn’t have them back because it’s growing experience and it’s practice. It’s practice, and this is what I love. It’s a beautiful day to play football out here, and I’m so happy. I have so many things to learn from today.”

Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza dubbed ‘Sesame Street of QBs’ on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’

Rich Eisen was simply in awe of Mendoza’s response after receiving extra first-team reps with the Raiders against the Houston Texans Tuesday.

“This is the greatest,” Eisen said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show‘. “It’s as if he is the quarterback of Sesame Street.”

Eisen playfully continued: “Today’s practice is brought to you by the No. 1. … Or today’s practice could be sponsored by the No. 2 because the Texans twos are really, really good, as well. And I absolutely loved the experience, including my failures. Yes, children. You can learn from your mistakes.

“It’s so fresh and so awesome. I just want to hug him and root for him.”

The thought that perhaps Mendoza is too nice surfaced, garnering comparisons to former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck for helping up defenders after plays. But Eisen shot that down quickly, citing Mendoza’s response after a hard shot to the chin to start the Ohio State game last season.

“Not this kid. … It’s just this world is filled with so much dismay and so much anger, and so much we can’t agree on,” Eisen said.

“Raiders are supposed to pillage just for fun, and this guy is playing football just for fun. You know what, I mean,” Eisen said. “This is a new autumn wind, baby.”