The Las Vegas Raiders are off to a perfect 3-0 start, and the good vibes are spilling off the field. After Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins kept his weekly tradition alive—but this time, he brought rookie Fernando Mendoza along for the ride.
The two signal-callers, along with running back Dylan Laube and offensive lineman Caleb Rodgers, hit up In-N-Out for a postgame meal. A photo posted by reporter Mick Akers on X captured the group enjoying their burgers, and it quickly went viral among Raiders fans.
More than just a burger
Cousins has been open about his love for the West Coast chain, joking about his post-victory ritual in interviews. What started as a family outing after earlier wins has now become a team bonding moment. For Mendoza, the rookie out of the University of Miami, sharing that meal with his mentor is a small but meaningful step in his transition to the NFL.
The quarterback room in Las Vegas is in a unique spot. Mendoza was drafted as the future of the franchise, but Cousins has embraced the role of mentor without any friction. Their casual dinner is a sign of a healthy dynamic, where the seasoned starter freely shares his experience with the young prospect. It's the kind of chemistry that doesn't show up on a stat sheet but can make a difference in the locker room.
Mendoza's journey has been closely followed by Latino fans, especially after his heartfelt birthday tribute to his mother Elsa earlier this year. His connection with Cousins is also part of a broader mentorship network that includes Tom Brady's guidance, as his mother recently shared in an interview.
For now, Mendoza continues to develop behind Cousins, who has been playing at a high level through the first three weeks. The veteran's efficient game management has kept the starting job firmly in his hands, and as long as the wins keep coming, fans can expect the postgame In-N-Out tradition to continue.
It's a small ritual, but it speaks to the bigger picture: the Raiders are building something, both on and off the field. And for a rookie like Mendoza, learning from a pro like Cousins—over a Double-Double and animal-style fries—might be just as valuable as any practice rep.
