Fernando Mendoza Avoiding NFL Draft to Be With Family Angers Fans – “This Trend is Lame”

Despite some question marks, it is increasingly likely that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza first-overall.

Fernando Mendoza Avoiding NFL Draft to Be With Family Angers Fans – “This Trend is Lame”

Fernando Mendoza will not be in Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft (Image via The QB School/X)

In Short
  • Fernando Mendoza, projected No. 1 overall pick, will not attend the NFL Draft to be with his family in Miami.
  • Fans are upset, viewing his decision as selfish and a missed opportunity to celebrate with his team.
  • The trend of top picks skipping the draft to be with family has drawn criticism, recalling similar decisions by past players.

After his body of work in the 2025 college football season, almost everyone is convinced that Fernando Mendoza is the de facto No. 1 overall pick entering this year’s draft.

The Indiana Hoosier proved that he can step up when necessary and can use both his arm and his legs to push through deadlocks, depending on the situation.

Even though some might question the lack of points against Ohio State in the B1G Ten Championship, his performances in the next three games, all the way to the CFP National Championship win, erased most of the doubts.

There are still some who believe that the 22-year-old was a beneficiary of Curt Cignetti‘s system. Despite that, the overall consensus is that the Las Vegas Raiders will pick him first off the board.

His throws at the Indiana Pro Day left GM John Spytek impressed. In that performance, Mendoza also worked on receiving snaps from under center, something he will have to do a lot under head coach Klint Kubiak.

Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month, per sources. Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami.

Adam Schefter revealed

This means the Boston native wants to be with his family when his name is called. Mendoza has previously reiterated how much his family means to him.

Fans are upset with Fernando Mendoza’s decision

The family part is understandable, considering his mother, who is bound to a wheelchair. However, fans felt that Fernando Mendoza was being selfish.

After all, the No. 1 overall pick is a major accomplishment. They felt that he should have had his family in Pittsburgh, so that they could also celebrate the moment as he gets greeted by the league’s commissioner in front of the assembled fans.

Instead, by being with his family, fans felt that the soon-to-be rookie is denying his team a chance to celebrate a small victory. Check out examples of those reactions below.

The last time a No. 1 overall pick stayed with his family to celebrate his draft accomplishment, it was Trevor Lawrence. Fans, though, are not happy with this trend returning.

Tom Brady was reportedly present during Fernando Mendoza’s visit to Raiders

Before Fernando Mendoza officially starts his life as an NFL athlete, he first has to convince the Las Vegas Raiders that he is worthy of the No. 1 overall pick.

Fernando Mendoza with his family
Fernando Mendoza with his family (Image via People)

His performances in college and during Indiana’s Pro Day may have given them the tape on how good he is on the field. But franchises also want to talk and figure out the mindset of the prospect.

The Hoosier was at the Raiders’ facilities for his official visit, and keen-eyed journalists figured out that minority-owner Tom Brady was also in the building.

Whether he spoke with Mendoza or not is unknown. But knowing that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has idolized the seven-time Super Bowl winner, it is likely that they will exchange more than a few words.

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