Raiders QB Mendoza Draws Laughs With Formal Joe Buck Greeting During ESPN Interview

Fernando Mendoza continued cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s most engaging interview subjects Thursday night when he delivered a hilariously formal acknowledgment to play-by-play announcer Joe Buck. During the fourth-quarter portion of the Raiders’ 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans, the rookie quarterback appeared on ESPN alongside Laura Rutledge, responding to Buck’s greeting with exaggerated politeness.

“Please tell Mr. Buck I say, ‘Hello,'” Mendoza said while saluting the camera as the interview wrapped up. The remark prompted immediate laughter from Rutledge, Buck, and analyst Troy Aikman, who questioned why the Indiana product hadn’t extended the same courtesy to the Hall of Famer.

Mendoza explained his reasoning with characteristic charm, noting that Aikman’s legendary status meant he “already” commanded respect, whereas Buck deserved additional recognition. Buck praised the No. 1 overall pick’s personality, calling him “unique” and someone who “says all the right things,” while Aikman described the young quarterback as “refreshing” and easy to support.

On the field, however, Mendoza encountered setbacks during his second preseason start. He threw an 80-yard pick-six to Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz on his second pass attempt and completed just eight of 15 throws for 86 yards. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak stopped short of naming Kirk Cousins as the Week 1 starter despite the performance.