{
  "id": 9522845,
  "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",
  "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-082028228.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the Las Vegas Raiders sideline, backup quarterback Fernando Mendoza is fully engaged, a trait that fans might not immediately notice. According to Kirk Matthews, a former NFL player and current Raiders radio analyst, Mendoza prepares for the future, but is doing very little in the present moment. Matthews describes Mendoza as extremely patient, always mindful of the long-term implications of his actions. He believes Mendoza's dedication is a testament to his commitment to a long-standing career with the Raiders. Unlike previous backup quarterbacks, Mendoza doesn't just wear his helmet on the sideline; he actively participates, wearing it to hear the play call for Kirk Cousins, the starting quarterback. He then recites these plays back to the quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan, and discusses what to expect from the defense. This level of engagement during the game sets Mendoza apart, a development process that will undoubtedly prove beneficial if he ever assumes the role as the starting quarterback.",
  "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",
        "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."
}