Top NFL Draft Pick Fernando Mendoza to Skip In-Person Attendance

Mendoza cites personal reasons for not attending the draft in Pittsburgh this year.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conceptually representing the unusual absence of the presumed top draft pick.Mendoza's decision to skip the NFL Draft's in-person festivities could dampen the energy and spectacle of the league's annual marquee event.Today in Pittsburgh

Fernando Mendoza, the presumed top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, has informed the league that he will not be attending the draft event in Pittsburgh this year. This marks the first time since 2021 that the presumed #1 pick will not be present in person for the highly anticipated annual event.

Why it matters

Mendoza's decision to skip the in-person draft event is unusual, as the NFL Draft is one of the league's biggest annual spectacles and the presence of the presumed top pick is typically a major draw for fans and media. His absence could impact the energy and attention around this year's draft.

The details

Mendoza, a standout quarterback from a major college program, has not provided specific reasons for his decision to forgo attending the draft in Pittsburgh. However, the move is seen as highly unusual, as the top draft pick traditionally walks across the stage, shakes hands with the commissioner, and is celebrated by the host city and national audience.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24-26 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A highly touted quarterback prospect who is expected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

NFL

The National Football League, the major professional American football league in the United States and Canada.

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What they’re saying

“We respect Fernando's decision and will continue to support him as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

What’s next

The NFL will now have to adjust its draft plans and programming without the presence of the presumed top pick. Mendoza's decision could also impact the draft's viewership and the energy in Pittsburgh during the three-day event.

The takeaway

Mendoza's decision to skip the in-person NFL Draft is highly unusual, as the top pick traditionally attends the event. His absence could impact the overall spectacle and viewership of the draft, though the league has indicated it will continue to support him as he prepares for his professional career.