Tom Brady didn’t just buy a card. He made a statement.
The Las Vegas Raiders part-owner landed an extremely rare Fernando Mendoza rookie card, a one-of-one piece tied to the quarterback’s first NFL autograph in a Topps series. Business partner Chris Costa said the price would be life-changing for most people, and he confirmed it was the most expensive Mendoza card ever sold.
Brady moved fast once the card hit the market. Costa said Brady immediately made his feelings clear: “I want that card. I need that card,”
The deal took weeks to finish, stretching close to a month, and the previous owner was based in the Southwest United States. Brady ultimately closed the purchase with a large cash payment and an autographed jersey. As part of the agreement, there will also be a future meetup at a CardVault By Tom Brady location.
Brady showed off the card at Fanatics Fest, but he wanted the transaction done before that appearance. He later explained why he wanted in so badly: “I got Fernando Mendoza’s ‘My 1st NFL Auto’ one-of-one,” Brady said.
“I know how hard he works. He’s got a great family and he’s coming to a great environment for success.
So I figured you’ve got to invest in it, and it’s going to hopefully bring some good luck to Las Vegas.”
Mendoza went first overall to Las Vegas in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Brady’s interest in him goes beyond collecting. Brady has already advised the rookie during his early development and was seen at the 2026 College Football Championship game in Miami, where Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national title.
That belief is clearly part of the purchase. The card is now with Brady, and the move reads as both a collector’s win and a vote of confidence in the Raiders’ future. Mendoza is now preparing for his first NFL season under the new coaching staff.
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Tom Brady Just Sent Raiders Fans A Loud Fernando Mendoza Message
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