Fernando Mendoza Reveals Why He's Not Attending NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is just days away, with the first round set for Thursday night, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday and the final four rounds on Saturday afternoon.
It's all but a certainty that the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, will select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Typically, the top pick is in attendance to share the on-stage moment with commissioner Roger Goodell after hearing his name called.
Mendoza, however, will not be attending the event and explained his decision during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Monday.
"Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it's a great venue, and I'm really excited to see most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night. It'll be a dream for a lot of guys," Mendoza said. "However, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It's a lot easier for us, especially with our family situation, and I'll have to hop on a plane the next morning anyway.
"I wanted to make the memory with everyone who poured into my football journey - mentors, coaches, family, friends. Being able to share that moment with all of them is going to be the best memory I make. I still want to be the best league partner I can become and make sure as many cameras as ESPN wants are there, but I think it's very important to start this journey with everyone who's gotten me to this point."
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Some fans believe the No. 1 overall pick should be in attendance, with the night largely centered around them.
However, it has been well documented throughout Indiana's season and the College Football Playoff that Mendoza's mother lives with multiple sclerosis - a degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system - and has primarily used a wheelchair since her diagnosis more than 15 years ago.
Given that, celebrating at home with friends, coaches, and family makes a great deal of sense in his situation. It has also been a near certainty for months that he would be selected by the Raiders, and while it would be special to see him walk across the stage, the moment will still carry plenty of weight watching from home - surrounded by those closest to him, with his mother at the center of it all, something he has emphasized on several occasions.
"She's the light of my family, the optimistic person who always makes sure I have a smile on my face," he said during an appearance on ‘The Today Show.’
"And, like you said, I have been an underdog. However, my mom has never let me think that way. She's always given me a top-dog mentality, so I've always been very optimistic in my approach. And now, going from the underdog to a top dog, that's something my mom instilled in me.”
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 4:23 PM.