The Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick is skipping the White House visit to focus on rookie minicamp instead.
Fernando Mendoza won’t join his former Indiana teammates for their championship celebration in Washington. The Heisman Trophy winner is staying in Las Vegas for rookie minicamp after the Raiders selected him in the NFL Draft.
Mendoza helped lead the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and the program’s first national championship in 132 years under head coach Curt Cignetti.
The quarterback explained his decision to reporters on Saturday, emphasizing his focus on establishing himself as a professional.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look.”
Mendoza has already begun working with the Raiders’ coaching staff on their West Coast offensive system. He started preparing with Brian Griese before the draft, getting a head start on the playbook he’ll run under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Both Griese and Kubiak come from Mike Shanahan’s coaching tree. They’ve spent years perfecting the West Coast scheme that Mendoza will need to master as a rookie.
The decision reflects Mendoza’s approach throughout his college career. He’s consistently prioritized football preparation over other opportunities.
Indiana’s championship team is now scattered across different directions. Transfer portal moves and NFL departures have broken up the historic squad just months after their perfect season.
Mendoza’s focus on his NFL transition mirrors the work ethic that made him college football’s most outstanding player. He’s treating rookie minicamp as his immediate priority rather than looking back at college achievements.
The Raiders haven’t won a championship in four decades. If Mendoza eventually leads them to a Super Bowl title, he might get another chance to visit the White House as a professional.
More College Football news:
More: Shedeur Sanders graduates from Colorado despite never going to class
