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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - APRIL 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the 2026 IU Pro Day at John Mellencamp Pavilion on April 01, 2026 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Fernando Mendoza is one of the hottest draft prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his celebrity status among this year’s draft candidates, the Indiana quarterback has decided to skip the draft events and instead relish the moment at home with his family.
There’s no doubt about the anticipation and fanfare for the projected No. 1 pick, but it seems like there’s one group that isn’t thrilled about Mendoza’s decisions surrounding tonight’s draft – the NFL. It seems as though league leadership is doing everything they can to convince Mendoza to go to Pittsburgh, but the quarterback is standing firm in his decision to share this moment with those he loves most.
The NFL Has Recruited Peyton Manning to Convince Fernando Mendoza to Attend the 2026 NFL Draft
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Fernando Mendoza has revealed that he won’t be attending the events in Pittsburgh because he wants to be at home with his family, with whom he is famously close. According to USA Today, the NFL has even sent in Peyton Manning to try to persuade Mendoza to be in attendance at the 2026 NFL Draft – but the quarterback isn’t budging.
Peyton Manning at the 2015 Night of Champions event talks about his draft day and says the NFL asked him to encourage Fernando Mendoza to attend the draft.
His efforts were unsuccessful. Also a funny recollection of Eli’s draft night.
One reason for wanting to stay home is a consideration for his mother, Elsa, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and has difficulty traveling, as reported by The New York Times. In order to fully enjoy the moment of being drafted into the NFL, Mendoza wants for his mom’s comfort to be prioritized and for the moment to be one that can be shared by every member of his member to the best extent possible. This shows his character and what type of leader he’ll be as a professional quarterback.
The Las Vegas Raiders have already selected Mendoza as their top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so there’s an element of preparedness that likely helped Mendoza make his decision about where to spend his official draft night. Known for his diligent work ethic, intense commitment to game performance, and leadership capabilities, many analysts and fans alike have concluded that he will be an excellent fit within the Raiders franchise. Not to mention his proven success as a quarterback within storied organizations given his National Championship bragging rights earned while a student-athlete at Indiana University.
Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining