Las Vegas Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza declines White House visit
Las Vegas Raiders’ number one draft pick Fernando Mendoza will skip the Indiana Hoosiers’ celebratory visit to the White House to focus on his rookie preparations.
The 22-year-old was instrumental in leading Indiana to their first ever national championship.
The championship-winning team has been invited to Washington D.C. on 11 May by US President Donald Trump to commemorate their success.
However, the Heisman Trophy winner has opted out of the trip, citing a desire to make a strong impression on his new NFL employers.
Rookie prioritises team practice
The Boston-born star expressed concerns that attending the presidential reception would conflict with the Raiders’ Organised Team Activities (OTAs).
“If it is on the first day of OTAs, like I said, I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here,” Mendoza explained.
“I’ve got to prove myself. I can’t miss practice.”
The quarterback emphasised that his primary goal is to serve his new teammates as he transitions to the professional level.
“I don’t know anything official. I don’t have the calendar, but as a rookie I don’t think that’s a good look,” he added.
Scheduling discrepancy and college legacy
Despite the player’s scheduling concerns, the official Las Vegas Raiders website lists their rookie workouts as beginning on 18 May.
This timeline leaves a one-week gap between the White House ceremony and the start of official team activities in Nevada.
The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft leaves behind a historic collegiate legacy before moving to Las Vegas.
The former Hoosiers quarterback threw for 222 yards to secure a 13-10 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game.
He later completed 16 passes for 186 yards and rushed for a touchdown as Indiana defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 to claim the national title.