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For more than two dozen players, Thursday night marks the realization of lifelong NFL dreams. By the end of the night, 32 prospects will hear their names called from the NFL Draft stage in Pittsburgh.
Seven-time Super Bowl winner and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Brady, reflected on the special moment so many young people were experiencing, while sharing a message with the league’s newest rookies.
“Congratulations to all the rookies joining the NFL this weekend,” Brady wrote in a post for
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Tom Brady watches before the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on October 5, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
Brady then emphasized the challenge ahead, urging the rookies to focus on what comes next.
“When you wake up tomorrow morning, know that your career will be defined by what happens in the future. You will have to take everything you do to the next level in order to compete with the best in the world.”
The Las Vegas Raiders’ first overall pick card is displayed during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Brady wasn’t in the Raiders’ draft room, but he still had a message for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza: “Welcome to Las Vegas @fernandomendoza. Time to get to work. @Raiders.”
The Raiders’ first pick has a long way to go to match what the New England Patriots found at No. 199 in 2000, the spot where Brady was selected.
Mendoza said Brady delivered a strong message during his official visit to the Raiders in the days leading up to the draft.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
“It was great. He gave me the message that he’s going to push me, and he’s not going to be all sweetheart. And that if the Raiders draft me, he’ll be a mentor and want to collaborate with whatever quarterback the Raiders have, whether it’s me or if they draft someone else.”
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Other notable first-round moves included the Kansas City Chiefs moving up to No. 6 and selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys turned things around and moved up to No. 11 to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
