Fernando Mendozaan American quarterback of Cuban origin and winner of the university championship, began his career in the NFL this Thursday after being chosen in the first position of the draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, confirming what was already an open secret.
In Las Vegas he will have former quarterback Tom Brady as one of his mentors. The NFL legend is one of the co-owners of the franchise and also serves as an advisor, to which Mendoza himself had indicated in the hours before the draft that he was “anxious” to be able to work with him.
Mendoza: from the university championship to the NFL
Mendoza’s signing for the Raiders is a step further in the journey that began in Miami, the city where he grew up, and that took him last year to Indiana University, where he won the Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the best college football player of the year, and was proclaimed NCAA champion.
That title came precisely in the way they dreamed of: at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in front of family and friends, and with a touchdown in the last quarter that was decisive for the Hoosiers’ victory over the University of Miami, who had rejected it years before.
The number 1 of the draft was born in Boston but was raised in Miami. He is the son of Fernando Mendoza Sr. and Alejandra Mendoza, members of the Cuban diaspora in South Florida, who instilled in him the “Cuban work ethic,” in the player’s words.
However, it was his four grandparents who emigrated directly from Cuba in 1959 and who serve, according to Mendoza, as his greatest source of inspiration.
That tenacity was molded at Christopher Columbus High School, a well-known factory of elite athletes southwest of Miami that has propelled several figures to the NBA, MLB and NFL.
His recent coronation as the Heisman Award made him the first player of Cuban roots to win this distinguished award, which has been awarded since 1934.
Before achieving the first title in Indiana history in his final year of college, Mendoza had been the quarterback of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) until 2024.
His impact on the university in the Midwest of the United States went beyond the field, and from his arrival to the title in Miami the value of the Hoosiers football program rose 40%, to $650 million.
A leader on the field of play and a source of income outside of it who will have the objective of lifting up a franchise that has only been to the playoffs once since its move to Las Vegas in 2020, and that last year had the worst record in the league (3-14), tied with three other teams.
The Miami Dolphins selected Kadyn Proctor
Miami took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 12 in the first round, then traded up to select San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson at No. 27 Thursday night in the NFL draft as they begin their rebuild under new coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
It was a busy night for the Dolphins, who were originally scheduled to pick at No. 11 before trading with Dallas, which moved up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. In exchange, Miami received the 12th, 177th and 180th picks.
