Jets draft Kenyon Sadiq: Fantasy outlook and Dynasty value for New York's newest tight end
Jets draft Kenyon Sadiq: What it means for fantasy and dynasty leagues
Fernando Mendoza, the top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, will not attend the event in Pittsburgh and will instead watch from his home in Miami, Florida. He chose to celebrate with family and friends to create lasting memories.
Mentioned in this story
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 wonât be in Pittsburgh for the momentous occasion. Instead, he will watch from his home in Miami, Florida.
âPittsburgh is a great opportunity and itâs a great venue, and Iâm really excited to see all the guys or most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,â Mendoza told SportsCenter this past Monday. âHowever, my mom really wanted to do it at home and so did my parents, itâs a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation.â He added, âI wanted to stay and make the memory of everyone who poured into my football journeyâmentors, coaches, family, friends. I want to share that moment with all of them itâs gonna be the best memory that I can make rather than limit it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.â
Elsa Mendoza kisses her son after the Indiana Hoosiers win the College Football National Championship in January 2026.cfp - Getty Images
The âfamily situationâ he refers to is that Mendozaâs mom, Elsa, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and is now wheelchair-bound. âYouâve made me feel seen,â Elsa wrote in an essay in dedicated to her son about how he handled her illness. âWhether 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 itâs being so vocal and passionate about MS fundraising ⊠or itâs even something as silly as joking, âWait, did you put on a few pounds???â when you have to carry me up the stairs ⊠youâve kept that same spark in your eye.â
Fernando Mendoza is not attending the NFL Draft in person because he wants to celebrate the occasion with his family and friends at home in Miami.
Fernando Mendoza is projected to be selected first in almost every draft projection for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft is taking place in Pittsburgh this year.
Jets draft Kenyon Sadiq: What it means for fantasy and dynasty leagues
Cowboys trade down and pick Malachi Lawrence with Packers' first-round pick
Eagles trade up to draft USC's Makai Lemon at No. 20!
Knicks can't score in final seconds, lose to Hawks 109-108 in Game 3
Washington Commanders select linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys choose Malachi Lawrence with No. 23 pick over Jerod McCoy in 2026 NFL Draft.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
She continued, âNo matter what kind of state Iâve been in, or day Iâve been having â youâve never once looked away. Youâve never once treated me like Iâm embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by. And even as my condition has gotten worse, and as our lives continue to change around that fact: You manage to make me feel like Iâm still every part of myself.â
You Might Also Like