The moment a football player’s name is called out in the draft is a nerve-wracking one. And fans were excited to see how Fernando Mendoza would react in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

But the best quarterback of this year’s draft class is staying at home, and his decision has angered many. 

“Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month, per sources. Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami,” NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday.

It is widely believed that Mendoza will be the overall No. 1 pick and join the Las Vegas Raiders. The  2025 NCAA champion is just what the franchise needs. He ended the last season with 41 passing touchdowns, 3,535 passing yards, and only six interceptions. 

While Mendoza is gearing up for a debut in the pro league, his “very first teammate” was his mother, Elsa Mendoza.

She has continued to support him while dealing with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for nearly two decades. Elsa, who uses a wheelchair and has been a huge advocate for MS research, along with her son. 

Mendoza’s decision to stay home with his family, especially his mother, is not surprising. This has touched many fans, but some are labeling him a “red flag.”

Critics Think Fernando Mendoza Is Undermining The NFL With This Choice

The pressure of going pro in the NFL is immense, but more so for Mendoza, who is predicted to join the Raiders, one of the worst teams.

And one fan thinks that Mendoza is not cut out to play in the league under harsh conditions because he will be absent from the meeting in Pittsburgh. 

“It is genuinely hilarious that a kid who hasn't taken a single NFL snap already thinks he is too good to show up to the city that’s literally paying for the stage he’s standing on. If you’re too family-oriented to spend one night in Pittsburgh for the fans and the league, good luck handling a Week 14 road trip to a hostile stadium when things actually get difficult,” they commented. 

Another comment straight up warned the Raiders against picking him and wrote, “Red flag. The Raiders should be shopping that pick.”

The backlash has grown since Mendoza also skipped throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Indiana quarterback chose to throw at his Pro Day instead.

One user claimed that the QB made a poor choice, which does not favor him.   

“That’s a pretty stupid look right there by Fernando.”

One snarky comment reassured him that fans will take care of his jersey while he's at home. 

“It’s ok Goat we’ll send you your jersey, no need to travel to Pittsburgh,” the comment read.

And one X user accused Mendoza of placing himself above the league just because he is a sought-after prospect.  

“Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza skipping the draft stage… already acting bigger than the league before playing a single snap,” they wrote against him. 

Despite the barrage of negative comments, Mendoza has decided how and where he will spend the biggest night of his life yet. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with these comments?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore