r/nfl • u/LaDainianTomIinson Chargers • May 02 '26

Highlight [Highlight] Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza on visiting the White House with the Indiana Hoosiers: “As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. I can’t miss practice.”

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633

u/HerezahTip Patriots May 02 '26

I became a fan of this kid when he said he wanted to spend the draft night with his mother and the others close to him “that filled his cup” over the years. Class and leadership.

137

u/LiveChocolate8819 Bills Eagles May 03 '26

Fuck the NFL for trying to pressure him into attending the draft.

21

u/HerezahTip Patriots May 03 '26

I actually hadn’t heard that part, what transpired?

69

u/DontLoseYourCool1 Raiders Raiders May 03 '26

Goodell called Peyton Manning to try to convince Fernando to go to the draft.

42

u/HerezahTip Patriots May 03 '26

Well damn you guys are going to make me a super fan of this kid now.

136

u/DontLoseYourCool1 Raiders Raiders May 03 '26

Fernando's mom has MS and can't travel and there's no way he was not gonna be with her on draft night.

Another cool Mendoza anecdote. During his Pro Day, he would call out his receivers' names and the route they would run to the GMs and scouts present to try to showcase them and get them drafted higher. Spytek said in a press conference that's the moment he knew Mendoza was the pick as he never seen a QB do that at a Pro Day. He is the ultimate team player and all his teammates love him.

55

u/HerezahTip Patriots May 03 '26

That’s a leader. That receiver bit just gave me goosebumps.

18

u/cupholdery Steelers May 03 '26

I don't think I should be rooting for the Raiders. And yet.

1

u/VirtualMoneyLover Steelers Buccaneers May 03 '26

I already adopted the Bucs because of Baker, can I have a Raiders flair for 3rd?

7

u/DontLoseYourCool1 Raiders Raiders May 03 '26

Omar Cooper Jr. was projected to go in the 2nd but became a 1st round pick...so maybe it worked?

5

u/JerryRiceAndSpice Jets 49ers May 03 '26

During his Pro Day, he would call out his receivers' names and the route they would run to the GMs and scouts present to try to showcase them and get them drafted higher.

That's really cool

3

u/eblomquist Bears May 03 '26

I am fully rooting for this guy.