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Fernando Mendoza is carefully considering how his decisions are perceived as he begins his NFL journey.
The rookie Las Vegas Raiders quarterback shared over the weekend that he is unlikely to attend the White House visit with his former college team, the Indiana Hoosiers, scheduled for next week. His reasoning is rooted in commitment to his new team and the expectations placed on him as a newcomer.
"If it is on the first day of OTAs, like I said, I'm on the bottom of the totem pole here. I have to prove myself," Mendoza, 22, said on Saturday, May 2. "I can't miss practice."
He emphasized that, as a rookie, showing up and putting in the work matters more than ceremonial appearances. "I don't think that's a good look. I want to best serve my teammates, and I don't know if skipping practice would accomplish that," he added.
The Hoosiers earned their White House invitation after winning the national championship in January, defeating the Miami Hurricanes. While his former teammates prepare for the celebratory visit on Monday, May 11, Mendoza will remain focused on adjusting to life in the NFL as he prepares for his first training camp later this year.
Reflecting on his transition, Mendoza said he is embracing the challenge of starting fresh at the professional level. "Out of all those milestones, I'm really happy about these past two days because it's back to football," he said. "I really enjoyed college, and we ended on a high note, but now it's back to the bottom again."
He also acknowledged the level of competition he has encountered so far. "Yesterday I realized I have a lot to work on. Everyone here in rookie camp is really talented, so I need to elevate my level of play heading into OTAs and training camp."
This would not be the first time Mendoza has stepped away from tradition. During the 2026 NFL Draft, where he was selected first overall, he chose to stay home in South Florida rather than attend the event in Pittsburgh. He explained that the decision was influenced by his family, who preferred a more personal setting.
When his name was called, Mendoza celebrated at home surrounded by loved ones, including his mother Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis. The moment highlighted his strong connection to family as he begins his professional career.
