Fernando Mendoza’s aunt, Ena Pereda, has been in the news ever since her appearance on TV during Indiana’s College Football Playoff run. The 22-year-old QB’s family was a massive part of his support system throughout the Hoosiers’ historic national championship run.
Now, as Mendoza leaves his college career behind for the pros, the Las Vegas Raiders QB was seen celebrating the monumental career achievement with his aunt as well as his parents.
The short snippet from the NFL Draft shortly after Roger Goodell’s announcement shows Mendoza celebrating with his mom, Elsa, dad Fernando Mendoza Sr., as well as other family members.
Mendoza’s aunt, Ela Pereda, was seen donning a red dress, skipping the Las Vegas Raiders colors for her nephew’s Indiana Hoosiers roots.
When asked about the support he has received from his parents throughout his college career, Mendoza credited his mom for his ‘toughness’ and ‘self-belief.’
“You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud,” he said. “It can be quiet and strong. It is believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.”
Why Did Fernando Mendoza not attend the NFL Draft?
While multiple stars turn down the NFL Draft invite every year, it is very rare for the first overall pick not to make an appearance. Before Mendoza, the last first overall picks to skip the NFL Draft were Joe Burrow (due to COVID-19) and Trevor Lawrence.
However, Mendoza addressed the situation and cleared his side of the story during a podcast appearance with CNBC Sport. Mendoza said:
“We did a lot of travel this year — my mother wanted to stay home, we always joke that it’s her party, not really mine — and I thought it would be the best decision to have everybody there, the village that’s poured into me to get to this point of success, to have them there.”
Mendoza will now have the chance to lead the Raiders, who are coming off a disastrous season under Geno Smith and veteran head coach Pete Carroll. Under the leadership of newly appointed Klint Kubiak and Tom Brady’s guidance, the 2025 Heisman winner is well-placed to get his name etched as the 2026 Rookie of the Year.
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