Mendoza: Playing for Brady ‘Would Mean the World’

Mendoza Dreams of Playing for Brady, Embraces ‘Nervous-Excited’ Draft Feeling

As the NFL Draft looms, quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza is feeling a mix of emotions he’s dubbed ‘nervous-excited.’ He shared this unique feeling on The Rich Eisen Show, explaining that it captures the thrill of a new beginning mixed with the natural jitters of such a life-changing event. Mendoza is ready to embrace the opportunity, especially after experiencing top-30 visits and realizing his NFL dreams are within reach.

Mendoza’s journey to this point has been fueled by a lifelong passion for football, starting with backyard games and evolving into watching NFL matchups. His earliest memories involve the New England Patriots, particularly games against the Miami Dolphins, where he observed players like Tom Brady operate. It was during these formative years that the dream of playing on an NFL field truly took root.

Raiders Connection and Brady’s Influence

The prospect of playing for Tom Brady, now with the Raiders, is a significant draw for Mendoza. He envisions it as an opportunity to be pushed and to grow as a quarterback. While he understands it won’t be the childhood fantasy of being best friends with his idol, the chance to learn from and compete under Brady’s guidance is immensely appealing.

Adding to the intrigue, Mendoza revealed that Tom Brady himself FaceTimed him during his combine interview with the Raiders. This personal touch from ownership, even for a brief moment, was highly encouraging and showed the team’s deep involvement with its potential future players. It highlighted a top-down commitment that Mendoza found invigorating.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Resilience

Mendoza also addressed a report about a whiteboard session with the Raiders, clarifying that while he may not recall every detail perfectly, he didn’t audibly express frustration. He explained that his focus was on accurately recalling plays, even if he missed a minor detail like the specific timing of a seven-step play. His priority remains performing his best under pressure.

His college career at Indiana was marked by resilience, particularly during a crucial drive against Penn State. Down late in the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium, Mendoza led his team on a game-winning drive, capped by a spectacular catch. He described the moment as magical, highlighting the team’s ability to execute under pressure and hold each other accountable.

Culture of Excellence and Humility

Coach Curt Cignetti is credited with fostering a strong culture at Indiana, emphasizing accountability and preventing complacency. Mendoza noted that Cignetti’s coaching style, while not always filled with praise, was designed to keep him humble and driven. This approach pushed him to constantly strive for greatness and be the best teammate he could be.

Even after a pick-six against Oregon, Cignetti’s unconventional compliment, “Are you having fun yet?” served as a reminder to stay present and focus on fundamentals. Mendoza believes this philosophy, along with his mother’s daily battle with multiple sclerosis, fuels his own resilience. He sees her strength as a constant inspiration, leaving him with no excuse for a bad day or a poor performance.

Looking Ahead: Learning and Competing

Mendoza is excited about the future, whether it involves learning from a veteran like Kirk Cousins or competing for a starting role. He emphasizes that he will embrace whatever decision the coaching staff makes, believing that everything should be earned. He is ready to work hard and prove himself, regardless of the situation.

Ultimately, Mendoza plans to celebrate his draft night at home with his family and mentors who have supported his journey. He wants to share this significant milestone with everyone who has contributed to his success, making it a memorable occasion for all. His focus remains on being the best player and teammate he can be as he begins his NFL career.

Source: Fernando Mendoza says playing for Tom Brady would ‘mean the world’ to him! | The Rich Eisen Show (YouTube)