Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Anyone that was expecting to see Fernando Mendoza potentially wearing a Las Vegas Raiders hat with the jersey while taking a picture with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be disappointed.
On April 7,ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that Mendoza won’t be attending the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. Furthermore, Schefter’s report reveals that the former Indiana Hoosiers QB wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami.
Nonetheless, with many projecting Mendoza to go No. 1 to the Raiders, WFAN’s Craig Carton is criticizing the draft prospect for choosing not to be in attendance.
“I think that stinks,”Carton said in an April 8 video from “The Craig Carton Show.” “I respect the fact you want to be with your family. Guess what? Your family’s invited to go to Pittsburgh and be part of the draft there. I think that there is a bit of a responsibility to be there. You are the first‑overall draft pick. You are special, and your drafting signifies, bang, we’re ready for another season of NFL football.
“I think you should get your a– to the draft. I don’t think it’s asking too much for you to get on a private jet, fly to Pittsburgh with all of your family and be there so when your name gets called, you walk out on that stage, you dap up the awkward commissioner, you hug him, you rock the Raider jersey and you say, ‘I am proud to be in the NFL.’”
Craig Carton Understands Fernando Mendoza’s Mom’s Situation
Carton did address that Mendoza’s mom has multiple sclerosis (MS) and is using a wheelchair. Still, the radio host noted that the NFL could make any accommodations for her that would allow for the projected No. 1 overall pick to be in attendance in Pittsburgh.
“[Mendoza’s mom] has MS, and I know she was able to attend, thankfully, every one of the [college football] playoff games and the national championship game,” Carton added. “She was there in a special handicap section, and I am sensitive to that. I think if you can make accommodations for her to come, you’ve got to get your a– to the NFL draft.”
Raiders QB Kirk Cousins Gets Blunt About Fernando Mendoza
Nonetheless, whether or not Mendoza is in attendance, all signs point to him being a Raider. Moreover, his potential new teammate, Kirk Cousins, is already talking about the young QB as if he were already a member of the Silver and Black.
“Honestly, I don’t want to start unless I’m the best option,”Cousins said on the April 8 edition of “Good Morning Football.” “I told Klint the best players should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms with however it plays out.Ido think Fernandois going to be a great addition to our team.
“He’s going to have a great future in the league. I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree that I can. He’s going to have great support all around him from the coaching staff. Being able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits, routines, and process can be a great asset for him.”