INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270203

Jun 21, 2026, 1:34 PM CUT

Fernando Mendoza Issues Statement on Filing for “Nandolorian” Trademark Amid Impending Challenge from Disney

Last week, the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, filed a trademark application for his nickname “Nandolorian,” according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.

“The Mandalorian” is a trademark registered by Lucasfilm, the company of Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas. Its parent company, Disney, could contest the filing. In an interview with Front Office Sports on June 15, David Rumsey asked him about his plans regarding filing the trademark.

“I’ve been really caught up with the OTAs and minicamp… So I’m not completely aware,” answered Mendoza. “I got to check with my team and my parents about those specific details. But when I do, I’ll get back to you.”

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) stretches during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Per Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, Disney cannot allow this trademark to get registered for commercial use. Lucasfilm, which is also the owner of 16 Mandalorian-centric trademarks, has spent years building and protecting trademark rights of the name from the Star Wars franchise.

The trademark application was filed on June 8th to protect the name as a brand of clothing. Mendoza earned the moniker “Nandolorian” after it gained traction with fans following a lighthearted team video featuring the rookie with veteran QB Kirk Cousins.

The Raiders released a comedy-style video where Cousins jokingly insisted on being called “Kirko Chains”. In response, Mendoza responded, saying, "Cool. You're gonna have to call me the Nandolorian." Mendoza was also gifted a custom jersey with the name.

Gerben added that Mendoza is known for his love for Star Wars and ranked the Mandalorian as his second-favorite Star Wars character after Skywalker.

The nickname fits perfectly with the Raiders’ long-term association with “Death Star” imagery and space-themed branding, like referring to their Allegiant Stadium as “Death Star”.

Gerben shared that the trademark approval will help Mendoza use the moniker for his commercial clothing brand. As the QB awaits the results on his trademark filing, he has kept himself busy in training and learning from veteran Cousins.

Mendoza Shares How Veteran QB is Helping Him With the Raiders

For the 2026 season, the Las Vegas Raiders have two quarterbacks with a significant age gap and a special dynamic between them.

The 22-year-old Mendoza shared how the 37-year-old Kirk Cousins is helping in fulfilling their vision of making the Raiders a top contender team again.

“He is definitely helping me a lot,” said Mendoza in a Raiders’ video. “He has been in this offense before. So, he already has a little bit of an upper hand in the sense that he has been able to teach the other quarterbacks and has experience with the plays.”

Anne Erickson of the Yardbarker shared that the NFL is a huge leap for Mendoza, who has come to the Raiders having won a championship for the Indian Hoosiers and the Heisman Trophy.

Erickson concluded, saying that Cousins is now helping Mendoza adjust to this transition and eventually become the franchise QB in the future.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote