**Fernando Mendoza Not Attending NFL Draft? THIS IS A DISASTER.**
So let me get this straight — Fernando Mendoza, the number one pick in the NFL draft, is not going to be at the draft. He’s not coming to Pittsburgh. He’s not there for the first round on April 23. He wants to be with his family in Miami. That’s it? That’s what we’re told by sources? That he’s not planning to attend?
This is a disgrace. A complete and utter disgrace.
I have watched this league for years, and I can tell you right now — the NFL draft is one of the most important events in professional sports. It is where legacies are built. Where careers are launched. Where the future of an entire franchise is decided. And here we are, with the number one pick NOT ATTENDING? What the hell is going on?
Let me start by saying this: Fernando Mendoza is a generational talent. He’s won the Heisman Trophy. He led Indiana to the College Football Playoff national championship last season. That’s not just a title — that’s a legacy. A CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
And yet, after all of that, he’s choosing to sit out the most important moment of his life? The moment where he gets picked first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders? Where he signs his contract? Where he steps into the league in front of millions of people?
This is a disaster. A complete and utter disaster.
I’ve watched this before. I’ve seen it happen with other players — Travon Walker, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett. All top picks who opted out of attending the draft in person. But that doesn’t make it right. That doesn’t excuse it. It’s not like they were in danger or under duress. They weren’t forced to do this.
They had a choice — and they chose to sit out what should be the biggest night of their lives. And now, with Mendoza following suit? What message is that sending?
It sends the message that these young men are more interested in being with their families than in the moment that defines their careers. That they don’t understand the magnitude of this event.
I have been to the NFL draft. I’ve seen it live. It’s electric. It’s the moment where everything changes. You can feel the energy in the room. You see players, coaches, agents — everyone is there for one reason: to be part of history.
And now we’re telling people that Fernando Mendoza won’t be there? That he’ll be sitting at home with his family while the entire league watches him get picked first overall?
That’s an affront to everything this game stands for. It’s a slap in the face to the fans, to the media, to the teams — and most of all, to Mendoza himself.
Let me tell you something: the NFL draft is not just about selecting players. It’s about showing them respect. Showing that they are the best at what they do. That their journey has led them here. That this moment matters.
And if they don’t show up?
What does that say about them? What does it say about their commitment to the league, to the franchise that is going to draft them, and to the fans who have supported them all along?
I can tell you right now — this is not a decision made lightly. Mendoza is making a choice that will be remembered forever. Not for the right reasons.
Let’s talk about the Raiders. They are expected to take Mendoza first overall. That means they’ve invested time, resources, and trust in him. He’s their franchise quarterback. The guy who is supposed to lead them into the future. And now he’s not going to be there?
How does that look? How does that feel for a team that has been waiting for a generational talent like this?
This isn’t just about Mendoza. It’s about the Raiders, too. It’s about the fans who have waited years for a quarterback to come along — and now they’re being handed one, but he won’t even be there to accept it.
And let me say something else: the NFL draft is not just a ceremony. It’s a business transaction. A contract signing. The moment when you become a pro athlete, when everything changes in your life. And if you don’t show up for that?
You’re making a statement — and I’m here to tell you it’s not a good one.
I’ve seen players who skipped the draft and then had trouble adjusting later on. Players who didn’t understand the pressure of being the number one pick, or the expectations that come with it. And now Mendoza is following in those footsteps?
That’s not progress. That’s regression.
Let me also say this: I get that families matter. I do. There are some people who feel more comfortable at home. Who don’t want to be surrounded by cameras and reporters on draft night. But there’s a difference between being nervous and making a conscious choice to NOT be there.
If you’re the number one pick in the NFL draft, you should be THERE. You should be in that room. Standing next to your family, your agent, your coach — and watching your name called by the commissioner of the league.
That’s the moment when everything changes for you. That’s when you step into the spotlight and say, “I’m ready.”
And if you don’t show up?
What does that mean? What kind of message are you sending to the fans who have followed your journey from college to the pros? To the team that is about to make a $30 million investment in your future?
You’re saying: “I don’t care enough to be there.”
That’s not leadership. That’s not professionalism.
And let me tell you something else — this isn’t just about Mendoza. It’s about the NFL as an organization. If players keep choosing to skip the draft, what message does that send to future prospects? What message does it send to young athletes who are trying to decide whether they want to play in the league?
It sends a message that you can be the number one pick and still not show up for your own ceremony. That maybe being there isn’t as important as being with your family.
That’s dangerous. That’s wrong.
I understand the allure of being with your loved ones on such a big night. I get it. But if you’re going to make that choice — then be prepared for what comes next.
Because once you step into this league, there will be no more “family nights.” There will be practice, games, press conferences, and expectations. And if you haven’t learned how to handle the spotlight in your first days as a pro, it’s going to catch up with you.
So let me ask you this: What does Fernando Mendoza think he’s doing?
He thinks he’s making a smart choice? That he’s choosing comfort over tradition?
Let me tell you — that is not what history has shown us. The best quarterbacks in the league have been there for the draft. They’ve stood on that stage, they’ve accepted their moment.
They didn’t hide from it. They embraced it.
And now Mendoza is choosing to do the opposite? That’s a disaster.
I’m tired of seeing players skip this event. I’m tired of hearing excuses. I’m tired of watching young men who have worked their entire lives for this moment make choices that undermine everything they’ve built up to.
If you’re going to be the number one pick in the NFL draft — then you better show up.
You better be there when your name is called.
Because if you don’t?
Then what are we supposed to think about you? What does it say about who you are as a person, as an athlete, and as a professional?
It says that you don’t understand the weight of this moment. That you don’t respect the league — or yourself.
And that is not acceptable.
Let me close with this: I’ve covered football for years. I’ve seen every draft since the 1990s. And I can tell you right now, Fernando Mendoza making this choice is one of the worst decisions he could have made in his career.
Because while he may be getting a $30 million contract from the Raiders — that’s not going to change what people think about him.
And if you don’t show up for your own ceremony?
Then maybe, just maybe, they’re right to question whether you belong on that stage at all.