Since winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Indiana Hoosiers to the National Championship victory, the name Fernando Mendoza has been in the spotlight.

While the fans were excited to see him perform at the NFL Combine, his decision has left them utterly confused.

The consensus No. 1 pick for the upcoming draft has reportedly chosen not to throw at the NFL Combine. He will be throwing at Indiana’s pro day on April 1 with his own teammates instead.

The Heisman-winning quarterback has had stellar stats with Indiana in the 2025 season. In 16 games, Mendoza threw for 3,535 passing yards with a 72% pass completion rate.

With a contract worth millions of dollars on the line, Mendoza is choosing to showcase his skills with trusted receivers, instead of random allotments that happen at the Combine.

This move has sparked mixed reactions, with many supporting Mendoza’s decision and some pointing out the hypocrisy, comparing him with Sanders.

One fan supported Mendoza, saying, “Smart move tbh… Pro Day throwing with his own receivers could boost his stock even more.”

The Combine also has an unknown element, where Mendoza might have to throw to unfamiliar receivers and might miss out on showcasing his true potential. “Of course, Fernando Mendoza wants to avoid being exposed to receivers he’s unfamiliar with in an unfamiliar environment,” one fan chimed in.

Others, however, have been quick to point out the different treatment that Mendoza is receiving when compared to Shedeur Sanders.

Is Mendoza being treated differently from Sanders?

In 2024, Sanders received backlash from the media for not throwing in the Combine. Some fans had issues and termed this as unprofessional behaviour, in stark contrast with Mendoza's decision.

One fan commented, “Watch how they don’t treat him like Shedeur Sanders”, which has sparked discussion on X.

It is not lost on fans that Mendoza’s decision is being praised. One fan wrote, “Watch them treat Mendoza like a king for skipping but clown Shedeur for the same energy Colorado vs Indiana privilege check? Team "fair" or "double standards"?”

Despite Sanders’ decision not to throw at the Combine making the headlines last year, this is not the first time a quarterback has made this decision.

Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels had also skipped the Combine ahead of the 2024 draft.

Browns fans, do you support Mendoza’s decision not to throw at the NFL Combine? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker