Slowly but surely, the NFL world is starting to realize what the college football has long known about Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Indiana may have all the physical tools to be a star in the league, but who he is above the shoulders could be the separating factor for him at the next level. There has never been a more enthusiastic football player in the history of Planet Earth.
Mendoza discussed why he threw so much during his Indiana Pro Day: He wanted to help his guys!
“I feel like it went great. You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”
He followed that up during IU's Pro Day with understanding that he has to get better under center.
“I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season. But I know at the next level, there’s going to be a lot more snaps under center and that’s a big adjustment. I need to get used to that and just the nature of the game. Not only that, the hash (marks) are more condensed and the speed of the game is faster. So all those things, I look forward to learning.”
And finally, Mendoza then reflected on what all he and his Indiana teammates accomplished in 2025.
“You have to take a second to kind of realize what we have all accomplished together here. It was a little bit of a moment of a gratitude, looking at those guys and really seeing the special moments I’ve had with each individual. It’s unlikely we’ll all play on the same team again, but, hopefully, I’ll get to play against and with some of those guys again.”
No doubt about it. The Las Vegas Raiders are about to get the franchise cornerstone they deserve.
Fernando Mendoza's leadership is why he will be a superstar in the NFL
Look. The college game and the NFL one are two completely separate entities. Success in one does not guarantee success in the other. That being said, two things seem to cut through and translate more so than anything else. Those would be being incredibly tough above the shoulders, and perhaps most importantly, being an undeniable physical freak. Mendoza has an perfect make-up for the NFL.
He may have enough physical traits to merit being the No. 1 overall pick, but he is the ultimate foxhole guy. Football players abound are going to want to claw, scratch, and fight for every victory with him. The Raiders have not really had a quarterback like this since honestly, Ken Stabler. He was one of the guys! Mendoze loves nothing more than to play football with the boys. He should thrive in Las Vegas.
In the end, these are the type of comments NFL fans should get accustomed to with Mendoza. He is truly a genuine guy. He wants what is best for his team, forever and always. Even though he is about to make a boatload of money at the next level, he has the right mental construct to handle all the pressure that comes with turning around a moribund franchise like the Raiders over in Las Vegas.
For now, we will just have to wait and see where the rest of his former Indiana teammates end up at.