The Real Reason Why Fernando Mendoza Is Not Attending the NFL Draft in Person

Why Mendoza Is Not Attending the NFL DraftSOPA Images - Getty Images

In almost every draft projection of the 2026 NFL Draft, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is selected first. But tonight, the 22-year-old won’t be in Pittsburgh for the momentous occasion. Instead, he will watch from his home in Miami, Florida.

“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it’s a great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys or most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza told SportsCenter this past Monday. “However, my mom really wanted to do it at home and so did my parents, it’s a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation.” He added, “I wanted to stay and make the memory of everyone who poured into my football journey—mentors, coaches, family, friends. I want to share that moment with all of them it’s gonna be the best memory that I can make rather than limit it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”

Elsa Mendoza kisses her son after the Indiana Hoosiers win the College Football National Championship in January 2026.cfp - Getty Images

The “family situation” he refers to is that Mendoza’s mom, Elsa, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and is now wheelchair-bound. “You’ve made me feel seen,” Elsa wrote in an essay in dedicated to her son about how he handled her illness. “Whether it was giving me full debriefs of your college visits, what you liked and disliked (pictures included) … or it was calling me before some big game I had to miss while in treatment … or it’s being so vocal and passionate about MS fundraising … or it’s even something as silly as joking, ‘Wait, did you put on a few pounds???’ when you have to carry me up the stairs … you’ve kept that same spark in your eye.”