Raiders legend gives Fernando Mendoza blessing to wear No. 15

Former Raiders quarterback and coach Tom Flores recently revealed he’s given the team’s top draft pick his blessing to wear his old number.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said of Mendoza. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Fernando Mendoza was given No. 15 the day after the Raiders selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. AP

Flores quarterbacked the Raiders from 1960 through 1966, wearing the No. 15 throughout his time under center. In retirement, he coached the team, helping lead it to a victory in Super Bowl XV. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

The franchise never formally retired his number following his achievements — several, including quarterback Kenny Pickett in 2025, have worn it over the years — but he made it clear to the Raiders’ official website following the NFL draft that he nonetheless has no issues whatsoever with Mendoza taking it over from here.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch.

Tom Flores wore the No. 15 when he quarterbacked the Raiders in the 1960s. Getty Images

“Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”

Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected first overall on April 23, and on April 24, he was handed a silver black jersey with the No. 15 on it.

Tom Flores was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Getty Images

After officially getting the threads, he said he was thrilled to have Flores’ green light.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza joked. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization.

“I can’t thank [Flores] enough. I’m so blessed.”