It was all smiles for Fernando Mendoza after he got selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Mendoza was the overwhelming favorite to get taken by the Raiders in lead up to the draft.

After hearing his name called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with the No. 1 pick, Mendoza was interviewed at his family's home in Miami. He said that he’s ready to earn his stripes with the Raiders right out of the gates.

“I’m just looking forward to get to work,” Mendoza said. “Prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career. But now I step into a great game in the NFL. Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”

Mendoza has been ardent in his preparation for his new role in the NFL with the Raiders prior to the draft. He has worked with former Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese on the West Coast offense that the Raiders employ.

With the wait now over, Mendoza will now officially look toward making the most of the opportunities given to him in Las Vegas prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season with an imminent battle for the starting QB role with Kirk Cousins expected.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: What Fernando Mendoza said immediately after being drafted by Raiders