June 24, 2026 - 7:33 pm

It’d be hard to find a better match for Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza than Kirk Cousins.

The clean-cut quarterbacks are kindred spirits in a city that is seen as culturally opposed.

So how might the two connect in their new home of Las Vegas?

A trip to Sphere could be in order.

Appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Cousins was asked how he plans to spend his free time in Las Vegas. He expressed an excitement for the shows that Vegas is a magnet for, including the Backstreet Boys, who play at Sphere from July 16 to Aug. 29.

“I’m excited for Backstreet Boys. On an off day in training camp, I’m probably going to see Backstreet Boys at the Sphere and wear all white and do the whole deal,” Cousins told Andrew Siciliano, filling in for Rich Eisen, on Tuesday.

Siciliano asked if Cousins and his wife, Julie, would take Mendoza to the show. Cousins obliged, also admitting that it may not be Mendoza’s scene.

“If (Mendoza) would like to go (to Backstreet Boys), he is welcome, although what I’m learning with my teammates is it’s really the coaches I kind of get along with, with movie quotes and music, because it’s the coaches who kind of grew up in the same era as me. When I start talking with teammates about a movie I loved in 1995, they aren’t really able to quote it with me. But if he wants to go to Backstreet Boys, he’s welcome to tag along.”

The chemistry between Cousins, who turns 38 in August, and Mendoza is off to a good start. Their connection has already been on display, performing a parody of the 2008 comedy “Step Brothers” for the Raiders’ schedule release video.

A trip to Sphere, dressed in all white, could be the next bonding moment for the Raiders quarterbacks.

Contact Trevor Squire at tsquire@reviewjournal.com Follow him at @trevordsquire on X.