NFL Reacts to Fernando Mendoza Career News on Sunday

Fernando Mendoza received major attention across the football world on Sunday after officially graduating from the University of California, Berkeley.

The future Las Vegas Raiders quarterback walked the stage with a smile while celebrating another milestone before beginning his NFL career.

The NFL's official X account reacted by posting Mendoza's graduation clip on social media. "Congrats to the grad, @fernandomendoza," the league wrote.

During the ceremony, the announcer introduced him by saying, "Can you please help me in welcoming Las Vegas Raider, Heisman Trophy Winner, Haas Graduate and Cal Bear forever, Fernando Mendoza."

Mendoza embraced the announcer before greeting classmates and celebrating the moment with fellow graduates. The quarterback earned his degree in Business Administration and Management from Cal's prestigious Haas School of Business.

Congrats to the grad, @fernandomendoza (via @Thomasdunn24) pic.twitter.com/8mxZP0oEsG

— NFL (@NFL) May 24, 2026

Before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza first built his reputation with the California Golden Bears. Over two seasons at Cal, he threw for 4,712 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

His career changed after transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers under head coach Curt Cignetti. Mendoza delivered one of the greatest seasons in recent college football history, leading Indiana to a national championship and an undefeated 16-0 season.

The Miami native finished the 2025 campaign with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He also won the Heisman Trophy and several national awards before entering the draft.

The Raiders selected Mendoza first overall after aggressively searching for a franchise quarterback. Veteran Kirk Cousins remains on the roster, but Mendoza is already competing during offseason workouts.

Sunday's graduation showed another side of the rookie quarterback. While his football future now sits in Las Vegas, Mendoza made it clear he still values the place where his journey started.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 12:39 PM.