Thursday’s NFL draft won’t have the star attraction present for the first time since 2021 — and Fernando Mendoza revealed why he is spurning the opportunity for a photoshoot with Roger Goodell in Pittsburgh.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza said Monday on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“My mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It’s a lot easier for us. Especially with the family situation. I’m going to hop on a plane (in) the morning anyways. For that, it will be a lot easier to stay at home.”
Mendoza’s mother has multiple sclerosis, which was diagnosed 15 years ago and affects her mobility.
She uses a wheelchair and has had difficulty using her limbs in different capacities, making it easier for the Mendoza family not to fly to the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey,” Mendoza said. “Mentors, coaches, family, friends, we want to share that memory with all of them is going to be the best memory that I could hope for, rather than limit it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”
Mendoza did add that there will be cameras with him to catch his reaction to being selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The plan is for Mendoza to watch the draft from Miami and host all of his friends and family.
“I still want to be the best league partner I can become and make sure that there is how ever many camera as ESPN wants there,” Mendoza said. “Whatever they need from me, I will do. However, I think it is very important to start off this journey with everyone who has got me to this point.”
Mendoza went to Miami’s Christopher Columbus High School, where he was a two or three-star recruit, depending on the outlet you use for rankings.
He later attended California for two seasons before transferring to Indiana, where he exploded in 2025, winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.
Since he is not attending the NFL Draft, his media appearances will likely be pushed to Friday, where he will likely fly into Las Vegas and be pictured with a jersey and answer questions.
