Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza calling Joe Buck ‘Mr. Buck’ is hilariously on-brand

Fernando Mendoza had a field day during the Las Vegas Raiders’ 22-20 preseason victory against the Houston Texans on Thursday. The rookie quarterback finished 8-for-15 for 86 yards in the second preseason game. But more than his football action, it was his postgame comment that made noise.

During his interview with NFL reporter Laura Rutledge, Mendoza sent a message to ESPN announcer Joe Buck.

“Please tell Mr. Buck I say hello,” he said while laughing.

Additionally, Rutledge did not let him stop there; she followed up with a question about Troy Aikman.

“Oh, of course. He’s a legend. I think Mr. Buck needs some love,” Mendoza added. However, it was all in good fun, and Buck himself made sure to give it back and acknowledge a shoutout.

The most Fernando Mendoza sequence ever:

"Please tell Mr. Buck I say hello" pic.twitter.com/AzWldt8Q6r

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 21, 2026

“You see, there it is. Back to Mr. Buck. That’s the stuff. He is unique,” he said from the commentary box.

For those wondering, the two have a long history of connection. Mendoza had a phenomenal football career with his college team, the Indiana Hoosiers. He even helped the program to a national title.

As for Buck, he has been an avid supporter of the Raiders star quarterback. Buck has always used his platform to commend the star player throughout his Heisman Trophy run. Coming out of college, Mendoza was one of the hyped prospects speculated to go as one of the top picks in the draft.

And it did become true as he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders. He also had an impressive showing in his preseason debut for the team against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a single touchdown in his very first game.

Now, the Raiders head to Allegiant Stadium for their third preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday.

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