Fernando Mendoza Not Attending NFL Draft for Family Reasons
Reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to hear his name called by the Las Vegas Raiders with their No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
But when Mendoza's name is called on Thursday night, he won't be in Pittsburgh to walk across the stage.
Instead, Mendoza will be in Miami to experience NFL draft night with his family.
Mendoza's mother, Elsa, has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for years. During an appearance with "The Rich Eisen Show" on Monday, the 22-year-old quarterback explained that travel to Pittsburgh would be difficult given his mother's condition.
Mendoza emphasized the fact that he wants to share the joy of his NFL draft moment with his entire family.
"Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it's a great venue. I'm really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night," Mendoza said. "However, my mom really wanted to do it at home. It's a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation."
"I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey: mentors, coaches, family, friends," he continued. "Being able to share that moment with all of them is going to be the best memory that I can make... I think it's very important to start off this journey with everyone that got me to this point."
Fernando Mendoza explains that the reason he won't be in Pittsburgh on Thursday night is because of his mothers health situation:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 20, 2026
Also adds: "I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey."
(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/de9N1HoFss
Mendoza, who led the Indiana Hoosiers through a 16-0 season and a College Football Playoff national championship victory, accepted the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 13.
During his acceptance speech, Mendoza specifically thanked his mother for all of her support.
"Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine," he said. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light, you're my why, you're my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage and love, those have been my first playbook and the playbook I'm going to carry by my side throughout my entire life."
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 6:40 AM.