Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Goes Viral After 22-20 Win, Saluting Joe Buck on ESPN

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 21

Fernando Mendoza drew laughs during ESPN's fourth-quarter interview after the Raiders' 22-20 preseason win over Houston, asking Laura Rutledge to tell "Mr. Buck" he said hello and ending with a salute.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman praised the rookie's personality on air, with Aikman calling the No. 1 overall pick refreshing and easy to root for after another memorable TV moment.
The viral exchange came on a rougher night on the field: Mendoza threw an 80-yard pick-six on his second pass and finished 8 of 15 for 86 yards in his second preseason start.
Las Vegas still left Week 2 of the preseason without naming a Week 1 starter, as coach Klint Kubiak declined to hand the job to Kirk Cousins before next week's finale against San Francisco.

Sources

Will a veteran quarterback lose his starting job to a quirky rookie who just threw a massive pick-six?

Can this viral rookie's meticulous preparation overcome his costly on-field mistakes before Week 1?

Is this rookie's viral broadcast charm masking the harsh reality of his professional growing pains?