Fernando Mendoza is expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. However, the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback will not be in attendance in Pittsburgh. He won't be walking across the stage and shaking hands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Instead, he'll be at home.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, explained to Rich Eisen on Monday that he wants to be at home, because of his mother's health condition. She has M.S. Moving is difficult. Mendoza's mom attended his games last season, but she had to stay seated. Watching the NFL Draft from home is the better option.
"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," Mendoza said on the Rich Eisen Show. "It'd be a dream for a lot of guys, however, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation, and I would have to hop on a plane the next morning anyways. For that travel, it would be a lot easier to stay at home."
He continued: "I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey. Mentors, coaches, family, friends — to be able to share that moment with all of them, is going to be the best memory that I can make, rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh."
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It's an incredibly mature and character-driven decision from the young NFL Draft prospect. Many top NFL Draft prospects would be desperate to get a shining moment, on the NFL Draft stage, in front of millions of people.
But Mendoza is different.
The Indiana Hoosiers legend is prioritizing family time over the spotlight. It's a rare thing, but it's a cool one.
Mendoza is getting praised for his decision
This decision showcases what kind of person you're getting in Mendoza. It remains to be seen if he'll be a great NFL quarterback.
However, it's already clear that you'll be getting a great person and a great leader, who is prioritizing the right things.
Mendoza seems to have a good head on his shoulders and a good mindset as he approaches the pros.
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is set for Thursday night.
