Did Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins just become best friends? Yep!
The Las Vegas Raiders’ new quarterbacks appeared in Thursday’s schedule release video that was a parody of the 2008 comedy “Step Brothers,” which starred Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
You don’t get it. It’s the 2026 Schedule Release!
📰 https://t.co/CIxG8eTk9u pic.twitter.com/O4h2dbM5ZN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 14, 2026
Mendoza and Cousins meet at the Raiders’ practice facility in Henderson and introduce themselves.
“You’re going to have to call me Kirko Chainz,” Cousins said, referring to his viral nickname.
“Cool. You’re going to have to call me The Nandolorian,” Mendoza responded.
As the video continues, Cousins gives Mendoza a tour of the locker room and reminds him not to step on the Raiders’ shield. Mendoza gained attention for avoiding the shield when he walked into the Raiders’ facility for the first time.
The two share their favorite play — Turbo right 63 Y shallow — and are shown measuring their hands with tape measures, which appears to be a reference to the NFL combine’s fascination with quarterbacks’ hand sizes.
Cousins then shows Mendoza his mini-samurai sword signed by Donny Osmond.
“I loved him in Joseph the musical,” Mendoza said.
The quarterbacks are then seen watching highlights of teammates Ashton Jeanty and Maxx Crosby before the Raiders’ official schedule is announced.
The Raiders jab the Kansas City Chiefs in their schedule graphic with Taylor Swift friendship bracelet. The Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots is highlighted by an “IT WAS A FUMBLE” sign, an obvious reference to the “Tuck Rule Game” from 2002.
The Catalina Wine Mixer is scheduled for the Week 13 bye week.
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on X.
