Fernando Mendoza is projected to be No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL. And instead of preparing for sharing a moment on stage with commissioner Roger Goodell, the Indiana star has made a different call.
Mendoza recently revealed that he will not attend the draft night in Pittsburgh, instead he is choosing to celebrate the moment at home with family. While the decision is rooted as personal reasons, it didn’t take long for fans to draw comparisons to Shedeur Sanders.
Fans Draw Comparisons As Fernando Mendoza Skips Draft Night
Mendoza explained his decision during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, emphasizing that the moment meant more if shared with those closest to him. With his mother dealing with multiple sclerosis and limited mobility, staying home was both practical and meaningful.
Several fans pointed out what they saw as a double standard. One comment read, “They killed Shedeur for this last year…,” referencing the criticism Sanders faced in similar situations.
Another person wrote: “This dude is so fake lol wish his PR team would just let him be himself.”
At the same time, not all responses were negative. Many fans praised the projected No. 1 pick for prioritizing family.
“This dude is about to save our franchise,” a fan wrote.
“He’s everything I want in a Franchise QB.” another wrote.
For a player who is already viewed as a franchise cornerstone, the move only reinforced his image as someone focused on values beyond football.
Who Is Fernando Mendoza’s Aunt, Ena Pareda?
Mendoza’s family has become a growing part of his story, especially during Indiana’s championship run.
One name that caught attention is his aunt, Ena Espino Pareda. Based in Miami, she works in commercial real estate and has frequently been seen supporting Mendoza alongside his parents at key games.
While not a public figure in the traditional sense, Ena became a familiar face during broadcast shots of Mendoza’s family, particularly alongside his mother. Her presence added another layer to what has already been a deeply family-driven journey for the quarterback.
As Mendoza prepares to enter the NFL, those close-knit family ties remain central to his story.
And as the comparisons to Sanders continue to circulate, one thing is certain: Mendoza’s decision has already made headlines before his name is even called.
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Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft: Analyst Casts Doubts Over Projected First Pick Amid SEC Star’s Rise
