Dallas Cowboys linked to major WR shake-up before 2026 NFL Draft
Dallas Cowboys could shake up their WR roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fernando Mendoza, the expected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will not attend the event in Pittsburgh, opting to watch from home with family. He cites a desire to share the moment with loved ones as the reason for his decision.
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Fernando Mendoza, the anticipated No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, says he will not be in attendance alongside other headlining draft picks at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Thursday evening.
Instead, the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback will watch the ceremony like most across the nation-- at home.
"I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey," Mendoza said on the The Rich Eisen Show this week. "Mentors, coaches, family, friends, being able to share that moment with all of them is gonna be the best memory that I can make."
Hoosiers' star quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks out after declaring for NFL draft
Mendoza said watching with the large group of loved ones will be preferable to limiting his group to "ten or 12 people in Pittsburgh."
Mendoza said the decision was ultimately family-motivated.
"My mom really wanted to do it at home... it's a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation," Mendoza said, also attributing the decision to travel ease.
Fernando Mendoza chose not to attend the NFL Draft to watch the event at home with his family and friends, prioritizing shared memories over the event atmosphere.
Fernando Mendoza is anticipated to be the first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza emphasized the importance of being with his family during the draft, noting that his mother wanted to celebrate at home due to their family situation.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday evening at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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