Fernando Mendoza Skipping the Draft, Choosing Family Time in Miami Instead

The projected No. 1 pick in the NFL draft just made his call, and it's not what the league expected. Fernando Mendoza has informed the league he won't be attending the draft in Pittsburgh, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Instead, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback wants to experience draft night with his family back in Miami.

A Family-First Decision

Look, we get it. Mendoza led Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship last season, and now he's about to become the face of the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 overall pick. Most guys would want to walk across that stage, shake the commissioner's hand, and soak in the moment on national television. Not Mendoza. He's choosing his people over the pageantry, and honestly, that says something about his priorities.

The Raiders were expecting to see their future franchise quarterback in person when Mendoza was scheduled to visit Las Vegas on Tuesday. But those plans have shifted. Now Pittsburgh's draft stage on April 23 will have a notable empty seat when the Raiders make the call.

He's Not the First to Skip It

Mendoza would be joining some pretty elite company by sitting out draft night in person. Travon Walker (2022), Trevor Lawrence (2021), Baker Mayfield (2018), and Myles Garrett (2017) all chose to spend their draft night with family at alternate locations instead of being in the war room or on stage. So there's precedent here. Top-tier talent doesn't always need the spotlight to validate the moment.

The draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, and the NFL will carry on without Mendoza in the building. But make no mistake, every eye will still be on the Raiders when they're on the clock at No. 1.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.