NFL's Fernando Mendoza Opens Up About His "Big Transition" From Indiana to Las Vegas.
Fernando Mendoza is handling his most recent professional shift with ease. The former quarterback from Indiana University Bloomington, who was chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first general pick in the 2026 NFL draft, is actually fully aware that moving might result in a few interceptions.
“It’s a big transition,” in a brief interview at the Time 100 Sports Gala on July 16, he informed news reporters. “College in the Midwest to Las Vegas...there’s going to be a lot of changes and there’s going to be some hiccups along the way. But I’m ready for it and excited to hopefully succeed in the future.”
The 22-year-old, who won a trophy for Best College Athlete, Men's Sports at the 2026 ESPYs, is physically training by huddling up with the ideal teammates.
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“There are a lot of workouts,” he observed. “I’ve really spending a lot of time with Alex Guerrero, who is the head of performance at Las Vegas Raiders and he’s been doing a fantastic job. We’ve been working along with our strength coach, coach A.J. [Neibel] and our amazing training staff that we have there.”
“I’m excited, my body is in peak shape,” Mendoza clarified, “and I’m excited for my rookie season.”
Mendoza said that while he has received "great" advice from other players along the way, he has continued to concentrate on his inner voice.
“Keeping yourself genuine,” he described his most memorable experiences. “All the wisdom, although it might be helpful, it might not all apply to you so make sure that you get that wisdom, but at the same time, apply it to your process and see what works for you.”
Additionally, Mendoza emphasized in his ESPY winning speech that remaining close to his team is what works best for him.
"Football is a team sport and although this award has one name on it, it belongs to so many people," at the ceremony, he spoke on stage. "I want to give a huge thanks to my family, my coaches, my beloved Hoosier nation and most importantly, out of all of them, my beloved teammates. Love you guys, appreciate everything you guys [have] done for me.”
