Fernando Mendoza called out the White House visit question—here’s exactly how he dodged it
For Las Vegas Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza, the sweat of hard work matters more than the shine of a championship — it’s what earns a leader respect inside the locker room.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza walks past the Raiders’ logo after a press conference, Friday April 24, 2026 in Henderson, Nev. For Fernando Mendoza, the sweat of hard work matters more than the shine of a championship — it’s what earns a leader respect inside the locker room. The Las Vegas Raiders’ No.
1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft recently surprised many by turning down a chance to visit the White House with the Indiana Hoosiers. As a rookie, Mendoza felt skipping practice for a celebration wasn’t “a good look. ” Although Raiders OTAs (Organized Team Activities) officially begin May 18 and the White House visit is scheduled for May 11, Mendoza’s ‘football-first’ attitude shows he came to Vegas not to sell jerseys, but to win.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I’ve got to prove myself. I can’t miss practice,” Mendoza said.
“I don’t have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. ” #Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza says if Indiana’s White House visit on May 11 coincides with a day of practice, he won’t be able to go: “I’m at the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself.