Fernando Mendoza is one of the emerging players of the NFL. Drafted number one overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the quarterback is expected to do big things for the Las Vegas Raiders.
He had an excellent college career with the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the national championship last season. Owing to that success, he was awarded with a huge title, and he did not forget to support his new team as well.
Fernando Mendoza gives nod to Raiders after winning ESPY award
Mendoza accepted the ESPY for Best College Athlete award for the Men’s Sports on July 15, 2026. It comes after his historic season with the Hoosiers. He led the college football program to a 16-0 record and the program’s first national championship. He threw for 3,535 yards and a nation-leading 41 touchdowns with only six interceptions, completing 72% of his passes while adding seven rushing scores. He also became the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy as well.
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
After accepting the award, Mendoza gave an acceptance speech where he thanked his family and previous team. He said, “Thank you, everybody, it’s such a blessing to be here. Football is a team sport, and although this award has one name on it, it belongs to so many people. I wanna give a huge thanks to my family, my coaches, my beloved Hoosier nation, and most importantly, out of all of them, my beloved teammates. Love you guys, and appreciate all you guys [have] done for me.”
He also did not forget the other nominees, and gave a nod to his new NFL team, “I also wanna give a big congratulations to all the other nominees, and all the amazing athletes being honored here tonight. God bless, go Raiders, thank you guys.
Mendoza also recently received some important advice from legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who is a minority owner of the Raiders.
Fernando Mendoza receives advice from Tom Brady
Brady recently talked about Mendoza on “The Claman Countdown” where he said that the young quarterback must earn everything. He said, “Well, I love Fernando, but Fernando is like every other young rookie. He’s got to go out there and earn it like everybody else… none of these young players, none of the rookies have ever had a meaningful snap in the NFL.”
He added, “Their career and their journey will be determined by the work that they put in, by the adversities that they overcome, by the kind of teammate and team player that they are.”
Fernando Mendoza will now look ahead towards the next season, and hope he has a good rookie season.
More NFL News: