NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza Raiders NFL Quarterback NFL news Oakland Raiders Tom Flores Jersey Number History No. 15

Before Tom Flores became a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach for the Raiders, he played quarterback in Oakland for seven seasons—wearing jersey No. 15. Decades later, the Raiders have issued that same number to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, with Flores’ full approval.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores told the team’s official website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Now 89 years old, Flores expanded on his endorsement of Mendoza:

“He’s perfect. He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. . . . Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”

The blessing from Flores is largely symbolic, as the Raiders do not retire jersey numbers. Numerous players have worn No. 15 since Flores last did so in 1966. Among the quarterbacks to wear the number are Mike Rae (1976–77), Jeff Hostetler (1993–96), Matt Flynn (2013), and Gardner Minshew II (2024). Kenny Pickett wore it in 2025.

Non-quarterbacks who have worn No. 15 since Flores include:

  • John Stone (2004)
  • Jonnie Lee Higgins (2007–10)
  • Michael Crabtree (2015–17)
  • JJ Nelson (2019)
  • Nelson Agholor (2020)
  • Jaylon Smith (2023)

Between Flores’ tenure and Hostetler’s, the number went unused for an extended period. Mendoza will be the third quarterback in three years to wear No. 15 for the Raiders, and the team hopes he’ll remain in it for years to come.

Source: Pro Football Talk
Key Evidence Revealed in Musk vs. Altman Trial: Emails, Photos, and Corporate Docs Surface
← Previous

Key Evidence Revealed in Musk vs. Altman Trial: Emails, Photos, and Co...

 Ted Cruz Condemns FCC’s Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump Joke
Next →

Ted Cruz Condemns FCC’s Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump Jok...