Fernando Mendoza’s ‘strong’ mom and family situation inspires emotional NFL draft decision

The Las Vegas Raiders are on the verge of ushering in a new era.

The Silver and Black finished with a 3-14 record last season which secured them the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Getty

The worst kept secret in football is that the Raiders will use the top overall pick on former Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza, giving minority owner Tom Brady the franchise quarterback he’s been desperately searching for.

Mendoza impressed during his Indiana pro day but won’t be on stage at the draft in Pittsburgh on April 23.

Fernando Mendoza explains family and mom Elsa behind decision to skip draft

The 6ft 5in and 225lb QB explained on The Rich Eisen Show that his family situation was ultimately the reason why he’s decided to stay at home to hear his name called.

Eisen asked Mendoza, “I was hoping to run into you in Pittsburgh, but obviously, you know, word is that you’re going to be elsewhere. Can you walk me through that process and how you decided to celebrate your drafting the way that you plan to Fernando?”

“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity, and it’s a great venue… It’s a dream for a lot of guys. However, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so do my parents. It’s easier for us, especially with, you know, the family situation…”

“I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey, mentors, coaches, family, friends. You want to share that moment with all them is going to be the best memory that I can make rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh…,” Mendoza added.

After living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly 20 years, Mendoza’s mother Elsa is now a wheelchair user and his biggest inspiration.

“This is your trophy as much as it is mine,” the top NFL prospect said during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why.”

“You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud,” Mendoza added. “It can be quiet and strong. It is believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.”

Mendoza makes feelings clear on Kirk Cousins after meeting him

Mendoza’s imminent arrival to Sin City comes shortly after the franchise made the key signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Getty

Getty

NFL's Greatest......

Ranking the top 10......

Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?

Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?

Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and more

Tight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?

The 37-year-old was released by the Atlanta Falcons are the start of the new league year, just two years after penning a four-year, $180 million contract.

With Cousins now in the twilight of his prolific NFL career, in which he is already a top-20 quarterback in most passing categories and has made at least $341 million, more than Brady, his role is expected to center around that of the development of Mendoza.

Earlier this week, Mendoza met Cousins during his top 30 visit with Las Vegas and had nothing but praise for him.

“He was there in the building, and I was able to say hi to him, someone who has a very similar play style to mine,” Mendoza said on the “Up & Adams” show.

“I was able to watch all of his clips from the Minnesota Vikings. Funny enough, when I was at Berkeley, I just watched him to learn from his game, the way that he reads defenses and his footwork.”

“To be able to have this full-circle moment, someone who I’ve studied, to potentially get the opportunity to play with, someone who is a man of God, who’s very cerebral and has had so much success throughout his entire career, would be an absolute blessing,” Mendoza went on.

“Whatever nuggets he would want to give that I would learn, I would take in and emulate in my own game. He’s not only a great player, but he’s also a great leader, man.”

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.