{
  "id": 9522844,
  "title": "Fernando Mendoza stays 'fully engaged' on Las Vegas Raiders sideline: 'I've never seen that'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/fernando-mendoza-stays-fully-engaged-on-las-vegas-raiders-sideline",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T08:20:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fernando-mendoza-stays-fully-engaged-082028809.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders' backup quarterback, is described as being fully engaged on the sidelines, going beyond the expectations of traditional backups. According to Kirk Matthews, a former NFL player and current Raiders radio analyst, Mendoza is preparing for the future while remaining patient and aware of the current situation. Matthews explained that Mendoza is not only charting plays on a clipboard but also wearing his helmet on the sideline to hear the play call for Kirk Cousins, the starting quarterback. He then repeats the play call to the Raiders' quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan, and discusses the play with the defense. This level of engagement is unprecedented, as Matthews has never seen a backup quarterback perform such tasks during a game. Mendoza's dedication and preparation could significantly benefit him should he ever get the opportunity to start as the Raiders' quarterback in the future.",
  "summary": "A Raiders radio broadcaster describes how former Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza prepares for the future while riding the bench.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Fernando Mendoza stays 'fully engaged' on Las Vegas Raiders sideline: 'I've never seen that'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/fernando-mendoza-stays-fully-engaged-on-las-vegas-raiders-sideline-9522845",
        "published": "2026-09-24T08:20:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "The greatest Western I've ever seen isn't a movie — and it's streaming free on Tubi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/the-greatest-western-ive-ever-seen-isnt-a-movie-and-its-streaming",
        "published": "2026-09-24T08:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}