Fernando Mendoza reveals wildly inappropriate NFL Combine question after dropping Tom Brady clue

Fernando Mendoza had the perfect answer to a tough – and subtly loaded – question at the NFL Combine.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback has been heavily criticized for not throwing at the NFL Combine, but indications are that he has made a good impression so far.

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Particularly to the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are projected to select the 22-year-old.

At his Combine press conference, Mendoza was asked what he would say to the team that passed him, if he didn’t go first-overall.

“Nothing,” Mendoza sharply replied.

“There are so many great players in this class, we saw the Ohio State guys running yesterday, and there are plenty of Indiana guys who are really great in the draft, as well. 

“I am honored to be a part of the group, there would be no hard feelings.

“There are so many things organisations need to do for themselves.

“I am trying to be the best me possible and whatever team that drafts me I will be grateful, whether it’s the No. 1 pick or the No. 199 pick.”

The reference to the 199th pick is a hint at Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, who was selected at that position back in the 2000 NFL Draft.

Brady has openly expressed the desires he seeks from his new franchise quarterback, which could very well be Mendoza. 

The question that the Raiders reporter asked received some backlash.

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When challenged in the comments, the reporter said: “I wanted him to sell himself to the Raiders / wanted to ask a Raiders question without saying the Raiders.”

Mendoza has ‘fantastic interview’ with Raiders at combine

Within his full combine press conference, Mendoza had nothing but praise for the Raiders.

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner described his meeting with the franchise as ‘fantastic,’ and hinted that he met with the Raiders coaching brass to review game film and draw up field plays.

Brady was reportedly not present at the formal meeting, but Mendoza did get the opportunity to briefly speak with him.

“I was able to say a brief ‘Hi’ to Brady on the phone, so that was very special for me, and I look forward to meeting him in person one day and learn from him,” he added.

“I mean who hasn’t admired Tom Brady. More Super Bowl rings than anybody.

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“That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin, and having the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much.”

Brady will undoubtedly have a say in the Raiders’ draft decision, and Mendoza made a strong case for himself during his final collegiate season.

He threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 276 yards and seven more scores last season. 

Only time will tell whether Brady sees enough and makes Mendoza his prodigy.

Mendoza also revealed the strangest question that he was asked during his interviews on Friday.

Speaking to CBS Sports, he said: “It was: ‘Hey, maybe you should get arrested.’

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“I was a little confused, but then it was like to slide, so hopefully I don’t get arrested.”

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