Flores endorses Mendoza for Raiders No. 15 jersey
Tom Flores, the former Raiders quarterback and coach who wore No. 15, has given his approval for the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to wear the number. The Hall of Famer called the rookie "perfect" and said he deserves the blessing. Mendoza, selected first in the 2026 NFL draft, expressed gratitude for the endorsement from the franchise legend.
Flores wore No. 15 during his playing career with the Raiders from 1960 to 1967. The number has not been retired by the team, clearing the way for Mendoza despite its association with Flores. Mendoza starred at Indiana, wearing No. 15 for the Hoosiers and winning the Heisman Trophy.
Flores threw for more than 11,000 yards and 92 touchdowns with the Raiders. After retiring as a player, he coached the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1981 and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. "He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do?" Flores said of Mendoza.
Mendoza joins the Raiders rookie class at minicamp on Friday. The franchise seeks a return to Super Bowl contention with the quarterback leading the way.