Mendoza Officially Joins Raiders as No. 1 Pick
So, was it really official before it hit LinkedIn? After being picked first overall by the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza made it all social-media official, updating about his career journey.
“It’s official. Thank you for the opportunity. I’m ready to get to work! 🏈🙏,” he shared on LinkedIn. Instead of heading to Pittsburgh for the draft, he chose to stay home in Miami and celebrate with family and friends.
While many expected Mendoza to be the top choice, it seemed the Raiders had firmly settled on him. What caught a few off guard was how Mendoza was suddenly more than just another LinkedIn profile; he had become a brand partner and even featured in a commercial for the app that aired during the draft.
During the commercial for LinkedIn, he notably checked his phone to confirm his post, showcasing a blend of excitement and professionalism.
An ESPN reporter caught up with him soon after, saying, “I’m here with Fernando Mendoza. I just got a call. Let me know what it’s like to be officially drafted.” Mendoza, in his navy suit, turned momentarily anxious before exclaiming, “I need to post on LinkedIn,” causing a brief pause as viewers heard him typing away.
Once he hit “post,” he proudly showed the screen to the camera, declaring, “Boom! I posted it. It’s official.”
The Indiana University star quarterback, known for his accolades, has already tweaked his LinkedIn bio to include “NFL QB | Indiana University Football | HAAS Business School Alumni,” and added his new role with the NFL as a key player in finance.
He’s always been active on LinkedIn, previously sharing insights like “What Winning a National Championship Taught Me About B2B Sales” right after winning the national title.
When the Raiders announced his selection, Mendoza beamed with pride, celebrating the moment with his family and friends, including heartfelt hugs with his mother, Elsa, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015.
Since he stayed back in Miami, fans will have to wait a bit for a public appearance in a Raiders jersey until he arrives in Las Vegas later.
