Fernando Mendoza Balances NFL Career and Academic Achievements

Fernando Mendoza, the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, paused his NFL duties with the Las Vegas Raiders to celebrate his academic milestone. He attended the commencement ceremony at the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) over the weekend, showcasing his achievements by tossing his graduation cap.

Mendoza missed the undergraduate ceremony earlier in the week, opting for the MBA graduation event instead. This choice resulted from a scheduling conflict with his responsibilities to his new NFL team. Previously, he had skipped a visit to the White House with Indiana teammates to concentrate on his NFL career.

Jenny Chatman, the dean of the Haas School of Business, made an exception for Mendoza, allowing him to walk across the stage. Chatman addressed the audience, explaining his absence from the undergraduate ceremony and praising his negotiation skills honed at Haas. She introduced Mendoza as a standout graduate who had already secured a position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

“He used his Haas skills to negotiate an excellent job and compensation package,” said Chatman.

Enthusiastic cheers greeted Mendoza as he accepted his degree in business administration and management. While attending Indiana for his master’s, he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season culminating in a national championship win against Miami.

During his time at Indiana, Mendoza proved his capabilities as a quarterback, securing his position as the top draft pick. The Raiders, seeking a promising quarterback, confirmed his selection last month.

Mendoza’s current focus lies in contributing to his new team, regardless of his starting status. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins remains part of the Raiders’ roster, with head coach Klint Kubiak indicating a potential starting role for Cousins in Week 1. Mendoza aims to develop further before stepping into the lead quarterback position.

Sharing insights on missing the White House visit, Mendoza engaged in a conversation with President Donald Trump, who confirmed the call during the championship ceremony. Trump expressed his support for Mendoza despite his absence, acknowledging Mendoza’s commitment to his new role with the Raiders.

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