The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a special Fernando Mendoza bobblehead Friday, celebrating the Las Vegas Raiders’ new quarterback before he’s taken his first NFL snap.
The Milwaukee-based museum released the limited-edition collectible featuring Mendoza standing next to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. It’s designed to kick off Raiders fanfare while elevating Mendoza’s profile as he transitions to professional football.
Co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar praised the project and working with Mendoza during Indiana’s championship run.
The Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. He became the first Hoosiers quarterback taken first overall and the school’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.
“We’re excited to unveil this unique bobblehead featuring Fernando Mendoza standing next to the iconic bobbling Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, welcoming the quarterback to Vegas,” Sklar said in a statement. “Fernando is sure to be a fan favorite in Las Vegas, and this will be a must-have for his fans, including those in Vegas, his hometown of Miami, and of course, Indiana fans who cheered him and the Hoosiers on to the National Championship!”
Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated season and national title victory over Miami in January. Despite his individual success, he deflected credit to his teammates after the championship win.
“That’s one thing about our team,” Mendoza told ESPN after the win. “We’re always going to put it all on the line. I had to go airborne. I’d die for my team. Whatever they needed me to do.”
The bobblehead is available for pre-order at $45 through the Bobblehead Hall of Fame store. Shipping is expected in November.
The collectible targets Raiders fans, Miami supporters from Mendoza’s hometown, and Indiana fans who followed his college career.
