Fernando Mendoza Is No Longer ‘Open to Work’ on LinkedIn Following 2026 NFL Draft
The green banner is officially gone.
After weeks of leaning into LinkedIn’s most recognizable feature, Fernando Mendoza is officially no longer “Open to Work” — and the timing couldn’t be more fitting.
The 22-year-old quarterback removed the banner shortly after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, turning a playful pre-draft move into one of the most on-brand career updates the platform has seen.
From “Open to Work” to No. 1 Overall Pick
In the lead-up to the draft, Mendoza added LinkedIn’s green “Open to Work” banner to his profile photo — a move that stood out immediately, especially for someone projected to go at the top of the draft.
It was equal parts joke and strategy. Then came draft night.
Watching from his home in Miami with family around him, Mendoza heard his name called first overall, put on a Raiders cap — and, naturally, went straight to LinkedIn.
“It’s official. Grateful for the opportunity and ready to get to work!” he posted on LinkedIn.
Shortly after, the banner disappeared. Mission accomplished. But the banner wasn’t the only change.
Mendoza also updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect his new role, listing himself as a full-time quarterback in the National Football League.
True to form, he kept the personality intact. His “experience” section still includes entries like “Franchise Player” for Taco Bell and “Chief Financial Playmaker” for U.S. Bank — a mix of branding, humor and awareness that’s become part of his online identity.
LinkedIn Was Part of the Plan All Along
The moment wasn’t just organic — it was also part of a larger partnership with LinkedIn.
Mendoza appeared in a commercial during the draft’s first break, where he’s shown mid-interview pausing to update his profile in real time. “Boom, posted. Now it’s official,” he says in the spot.
“Fernando has been intentional about his presence on LinkedIn from the start — sharing his journey, building his brand, and connecting with his community,” said Heather Freeland, LinkedIn’s Chief Brand Officer, in a news release.
“With this series of spots, we wanted to show that LinkedIn is about those big professional moments — like getting a new job — but it’s also where careers take shape over time,” she added. “And Fernando is the perfect person to demonstrate that as his own career as a professional quarterback takes off.”
Years of Posting Led to This Moment
What makes the “Open to Work” payoff land is the history behind it.
Mendoza hasn’t treated LinkedIn like a one-time announcement tool. He’s been active on the platform for years, dating back to his college commitment to Cal, per ESPN.
Since then, he’s posted consistently — documenting everything from attending ACC media day in 2024 to winning a national championship.
Even his NFL draft declaration happened on LinkedIn, drawing more than 30,000 reactions. His 2026 NFL Draft night post topped that at nearly 50,000 reactions, as of April 24.
The Rare LinkedIn Full-Circle Moment
For most users, the “Open to Work” banner is a signal of uncertainty — a job search, a transition, a next step.
Mendoza flipped that idea on its head. He used it as a countdown. And when the job offer came — arguably the biggest one in sports — he closed the loop the same way he started it.
By updating LinkedIn.
For anyone who spends time on the platform, it’s a rare kind of full-circle moment: a high-profile career move, executed exactly the way LinkedIn was designed — just with a lot more eyes watching.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
