When it comes to rare merchandise pertaining to the Las Vegas Raiders’ next franchise quarterback, part-owner Tom Brady prefers to keep things within the family.
One of Brady’s business partners, Chris Costa, told the California Post that Brady spent a ‘small fortune’ to acquire a rare rookie card of Raiders No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza.
While Costa did not specifically disclose the amount paid for the card, he described the purchase as ‘a life-altering amount of money for most people, if not all people.’
Costa also said it holds the brand-new title of ‘the most expensive Fernando Mendoza card that’s ever sold.
‘That is a fact,’ Costa added.
The card is a 1-of-1 item which was the first trading card autographed by Mendoza since he was chosen.
It was part of a Topps series of cards where NFL Draft picks inscribed their names and the phrase ‘My 1st NFL Auto’ on them.
Raiders part-owner Tom Brady spent a pretty penny on a rare Fernando Mendoza rookie card
He spent an undisclosed sum on a 1-of-1 Mendoza ‘My 1st NFL Auto’ trading card
Mendoza (L) was selected first overall by the Raiders in this year’s NFL draft
Naturally, Brady wanted the card showcasing the top selection from the team he is a part-owner of.
‘Tom basically raised his hand and was like, “I want that card,”‘ Costa said. ‘”I need that card.”‘
Several weeks passed before the card’s owner was tracked down in the Southwest United States. Once the owner came forth, a prolonged negotiation took place.
‘It was several weeks, if not close to a month, of us going back and forth,’ Costa said.
In the end, Brady agreed to fork over ‘a hefty cash number’ as well as an autographed jersey for the collectible.
There will also be a meetup between the Super Bowl champion and the card’s owner at a CardVault By Tom Brady location in the future.
The card now resides with Brady, says Costa. The former Patriots and Buccaneers icon shared his new find on social media. The deal was done before Fanatics Fest so that Brady could show off his new purchase in front of a crowd.
‘I got Fernando Mendoza’s “My 1st NFL Auto” one-of-one,’ Brady said as he put it on display for the masses. ‘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.’
