Fernando Mendoza has revealed the most bizarre pre-draft question he received from an NFL team.
The quarterback is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the focal point of intense evaluation.
With franchises desperate to secure a franchise signal-caller, some conversations have apparently crossed into unusual territory. Mendoza shared one moment that stood out.
Fernando Mendoza says an NFL team joked about him getting arrested
In comments shared by NFL on CBS, Fernando Mendoza said: “It was: ‘Hey, maybe you should get arrested.’ I was a little confused, but then it was like to slide. So, hopefully, I don’t get arrested.”
The remark appeared to reference the idea that a draft stock drop could allow a team picking later to move into range.
Mendoza laughed off the suggestion, but the anecdote highlights how highly he is regarded across the league.
Fernando Mendoza refuses to name the NFL team involved
Fernando Mendoza added: “It was not one of the teams I did a formal interview with. So, I don’t wanna expose the team.”
The projected top pick declined to identify the franchise, maintaining professionalism despite the unusual exchange.
With quarterback-needy teams scattered throughout the draft order, speculation will inevitably follow.
The story underlines Mendoza’s standing entering draft week. When teams joke about needing a prospect’s stock to fall, it reflects just how coveted that player has become.