The NFL draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, especially for Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback from Indiana. After leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship, Mendoza is projected to be the top overall pick in the upcoming draft. However, a surprising comment from one of the teams has caught attention.
During a recent interview with CBS Sports, Mendoza revealed that a team jokingly suggested he should consider getting arrested to drop his draft stock. “It was, “hey, maybe you should get arrested,” and I was a little confused, but then I was like, the slide … so you could slide in the draft,” he explained, reflecting on what he described as the strangest question he received at the NFL combine.
Despite the humor in the suggestion, Mendoza stated, “So, hopefully I don”t get arrested,” clearly indicating his preference to avoid any legal troubles.
The exact team that made the comment remains undisclosed, but Mendoza clarified that it was not part of a formal interview at the combine. He certainly made an impression during the event, as he was met with enthusiastic cheers from fans at Lucas Oil Stadium when he arrived.
Although he did not participate in any drills, he joined his fellow quarterbacks for on-field testing. This past season, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, with only six interceptions, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
The NFL draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, with teams such as the Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals holding the first three picks. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Mendoza as he approaches a pivotal moment in his football career.
