Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza values his training with the Las Vegas Raiders as he prepares for his first NFL training camp. In a notable decision, Mendoza declined an opportunity to visit the White House with his Indiana teammates following their national championship win, choosing instead to stay focused on his practice commitments with the Raiders.

“I’m going to be completely honest with you — I’d rather be practicing right now and I was really upset about actually having to miss practice for this,” Mendoza expressed during his participation in the NFL Players Association Rookie Premier event, as reported by Gilbert Manzano of SI.com.

Despite his initial reluctance to attend the Rookie Premier, Mendoza acknowledged gaining valuable insights and experiences during the event. He interacted with fellow rookies and mentors, learning about NFLPA benefits and establishing connections.

“I’m going to have a smile on my face and make the most of that present moment,” Mendoza said. “Live and learn all the [NFLPA] benefits, make all the connections with different mentors here, let me make sure I can maximize my time to be able to create a positive impact and learn about my situation and surroundings. So those are all things that I really benefited from being here.”

Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, Mendoza is anticipated to begin the season on the bench behind experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, should Cousins face challenges or if the Raiders struggle, Mendoza could see playing time as a rookie. Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon suggested Mendoza might start by the season’s midpoint.

“I think [Mendoza will] be in there probably by the halfway point, [maybe] a little bit after,” Moon speculated. “I think it’s good for him right off the bat [to] be behind somebody, he doesn’t have to be put out there to the wolves right away until he’s ready, and Kirk can win some football games for them and keep them competitive in games until Fernando is ready.”