Las Vegas Raiders‘ first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza has seen his life completely change over the last year. His unbelievable season at Indiana resulted in a National Championship, being crowned the Heisman Trophy Winner, and the top pick in the draft.
Now, he is attempting to trade mark a nickname before ever playing a down in the NFL. Here are the details.
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Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Fernando Mendoza Attempting To Trade Mark Nickname Before Ever Playing A Snap Before The Raiders
In the Raiders’ 2026 schedule-release video, Fernando Mendoza’s nickname was unofficially given. It is now his intention to make it official.
Mendoza filed a trademark application for the term “Nandolorian” on Monday through his attorney, Josh Gerben.
Gerben notes that the move could cause conflict with Disney and Lucasfilm, which hold 16 trademarks related to the “Mandalorian,” a part of the Star Wars universe at large.
The question is whether it qualifies as a parody. That would be Mendoza’s position if Disney or Lucasfilm challenged the filing.
As with Caleb Williams and “Iceman,” Mendoza’s move is designed to prevent others from making and selling “Nandolorian” merchandise. It is likely that Disney would claim that those rights are theirs to protect if and when “Nandolorian” merchandise begins to be sold.
In the event that Disney contacts its ESPN partner (the NFL) in an effort to convince Mendoza to change his mind, the situation could get interesting. Here is the video.
Fans immediately reacted to the nickname attempt:
lol. Fernando Mendoza sounds like J.J. McCarthy or Caleb Williams all over again. Only now we have a rookie quarterback who’s struggling in OTAs according to several reports who’s applying for a trademarked nickname.
He’s literally basing his name off of a Star Wars reference, that’s a 0.0% chance but worth the shot, never know. Disney could be Fernando fans. lol They could also partner instead, which is more ideal, less cut but you get your name.
He’s getting sued if the trademark is approved. But, I doubt it will be approved
Trash nickname. Get this kid some new management
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