NFL Team Urged Player to Get Arrested to Slide in Draft

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza says one team suggested he get arrested to fall in the 2026 NFL Draft order.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Most NFL teams discourage prospects from ending up in jail, but Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza revealed that one team was telling him to try and get arrested. The team's goal was for Mendoza to drop a bit in the draft order, presumably so they could then select him. Mendoza, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, said the team made the strange suggestion jokingly during a non-formal interview at the NFL Combine.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the extreme measures some NFL teams may take to try to secure top draft prospects, even suggesting unethical or illegal actions. It raises questions about the ethics of the draft process and the lengths teams will go to gain an advantage.

The details

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship, said one team jokingly told him "hey, maybe you should get arrested" during the NFL Combine. The team's reasoning, according to Mendoza, was that he could "slide" down the draft board, allowing that team to potentially select him. Mendoza did not reveal which specific team made the suggestion, but said it was not during a formal interview.

  • Mendoza spoke about the incident on Friday, March 2, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Indiana quarterback who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after leading the Hoosiers to a national championship.

NFL Team

An unidentified NFL team that jokingly suggested Mendoza should get arrested in order to slide down in the draft order, presumably so they could then select him.

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What they’re saying

“It was, 'hey, maybe you should get arrested,' and I was a little confused, but then I was like, the slide … so you could slide in the draft.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Quarterback

“So, hopefully I don't get arrested.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Quarterback

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the extreme and unethical measures some NFL teams may take in pursuit of top draft prospects. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the draft process and the need for stronger oversight to prevent teams from encouraging illegal or unethical behavior from players.