Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, officially begins his professional journey this week as the Las Vegas Raiders open training camp. The 22-year-old quarterback from Indiana University arrives in Nevada with a level-headed perspective on the steep learning curve ahead, emphasizing preparation, family support, and the value of early mistakes.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Mendoza spoke candidly about the transition from college to the pros. “There’s a lot of noise around being a rookie, especially when you’re picked first,” he said. “But I see the growing pains as opportunities. Every mistake is a chance to get better if you’re willing to learn.”
Acclimating to the Desert and the Playbook
Mendoza spent significant time in Las Vegas during the offseason, not just to beat the heat but to immerse himself in the Raiders’ offensive system. “The desert is no joke,” he said with a smile. “But I wanted to get comfortable here, learn the playbook, and build chemistry with the guys before camp even started.” That preparation will be tested immediately as he competes with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins for the starting job.
The Raiders’ coaching staff plans to evaluate both signal-callers throughout training camp, weighing Mendoza’s raw talent and mobility against Cousins’ 13 years of NFL experience. For Mendoza, the competition is a welcome challenge. “Kirk’s a pro’s pro,” he said. “I’m just focused on controlling what I can control—my preparation, my reads, and my leadership.”
Mendoza’s path to Las Vegas has been anything but conventional. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he played college ball at Indiana after a stint at Cal Berkeley, becoming the first Hoosier to win the Heisman. His journey reflects a broader Latino narrative of resilience and adaptability, something he’s proud to carry into the NFL. “My family is from México, and they’ve always taught me to work hard and stay humble,” he said. “That’s what I bring to the field every day.”
That family support remains a cornerstone of his mindset. Mendoza stays in daily contact with his parents and siblings, who he says keep him grounded amid the whirlwind of draft hype and training camp pressure. “They remind me who I am,” he said. “Football is what I do, not who I am.”
As the Raiders look to build a contender in the AFC West, Mendoza’s development will be closely watched—not just by fans in Las Vegas but by the growing Latino fan base that has embraced him since his college days. His presence on the roster has already sparked excitement, as noted in our earlier coverage of his connection to the Latino community.
Mendoza’s measured approach extends beyond the field. He’s aware of the expectations that come with being a No. 1 pick, but he refuses to let them define his rookie season. “I’m not trying to be a hero,” he said. “I’m trying to be the best version of myself every day. If that means starting Week 1, great. If it means learning behind Kirk for a while, that’s fine too. The goal is to win games and get better.”
That maturity has impressed teammates and coaches alike. Wide receiver Davante Adams, who has seen his share of young quarterbacks, noted Mendoza’s poise in early workouts. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Adams said. “But more importantly, he’s willing to put in the work.”
Mendoza’s rookie season will undoubtedly include ups and downs, but his outlook suggests he’s ready for both. As he steps onto the practice field in Henderson, Nevada, he carries with him the hopes of a franchise and a community that sees in him a reflection of their own aspirations. “I’m just getting started,” he said. “And I can’t wait to see what we can build here.”
For more on Mendoza’s journey, check out Sophie Cunningham’s recent shoutout to the rookie and his playful exchange at the ESPYs.
