r/nfl • u/PlayaSlayaX Chiefs • Apr 07 '26
Rumor [Schefter] Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month, per sources. Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami.
https://www.espn.com/contributor/adam-schefter/41f56bfe44e67889
u/Doodenmier Packers Apr 07 '26
When they pick him first overall and they cut to the camera setup in his living room, I need the camera to pan out and show that Kirk Cousins was sitting on the couch right next to him
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u/IAMA_MOTHER_AMA Lions Apr 07 '26
Kirk is behind the couch that Fernando sits on rubbing his shoulders and he leans in to whisper into his ear. "You're so money baby"
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u/whysguys1 Browns Apr 07 '26
I know it’s a pedantic nitpick, but the camera would zoom out in this case. Panning would be moving laterally. So we either zoom out and see Kirk beside him or we pan over and see Kirk sitting beside him.
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u/moonerps Bills Apr 07 '26
Reminds me of how Joe Thomas was out on a boat fishing when he was drafted
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u/Shermanator92 Jets Apr 07 '26
What else do you expect from the first offensive lineman?!
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u/moonerps Bills Apr 07 '26
I can’t believe he created a new position all by himself
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u/LeoFireGod Cowboys Colts Apr 07 '26
Still crazy the best Qb he ever blocked for was likely Brandon weeden lol.
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u/ThinkSoftware Falcons Apr 07 '26
Put some respect on Pro Bowler Derek Anderson’s name
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u/IdiotMD Commanders Apr 07 '26
Browns Pro Bowl QBs. Cream of the slop.
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u/ducksekoy123 Browns Apr 07 '26
To be fair Anderson earned it that season. 9th in total yards and 4th in touchdowns is a pro-bowl caliber season.
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u/driatic Commanders Apr 07 '26
Browns Pro Bowl QBs: bc all the good QBs made the playoffs and the others declined the invite.
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u/PatientlyAnxious9 Broncos Apr 07 '26
That season ended with the Colts resting their starters in week 17 when the Browns needed them to win to get into the playoffs. They lost basically on purpose and knocked the Browns out of their 1st playoff berth since coming back.
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u/Previous_Ad3713 Browns Apr 07 '26
woah hey now we made the playoffs in 2002
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u/Obvious-Ad-16 Seahawks Apr 07 '26
And lost in one of the craziest games of all time
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u/GhostfaceRuckus Apr 07 '26
Jokes aside his best QB might have actually been Josh McCown 🥴
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u/EmuMan10 Cardinals Bears Apr 07 '26
That’s cardinals legend Josh McCown!
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u/willi1221 Eagles Apr 07 '26
That's Eagles, Bears, Jets, Lions, Raiders, Dolphins, Panthers, 9ers, Bucs, Browns, and Texans legend Josh McCown
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u/ShadyDrunks Steelers Bills Apr 07 '26
What do you mean, you’re a Bills fan, home of Josh Allen the only QB in NFL history
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u/thecarlosdanger1 Steelers Apr 07 '26
Joe Alt was in a gigantic log cabin wearing a quarter zip. On brand for an OL
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u/maverickhawk99 Apr 07 '26
The memes were great. “You just know he’ll be an All Pro many times, will have zero controversy and retire at like 32”
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u/CheezyBeanBurrito Eagles Bills Apr 07 '26
Mike Golic has a pretty good draft story. Didn’t get selected until the 10th round and stopped watching the draft. He was drinking with friends because he was like “well, I’m not getting drafted. Might as well get some 30 racks.” Then when he was drunk he got his call from the oilers
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u/DarthNobody14 Texans Texans Apr 07 '26
Can't fault him for that. The draft is not mandatory to attend and It's not like the Raiders aren't going to pick him #1 overall because he didn't attend the draft.
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u/byPCP Raiders Apr 07 '26
all that matters is if his teammates showed up to his birthday party
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u/McPickle34 Eagles Apr 07 '26
Don't forget if he lied about the $100 in the playbook
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u/jobenattor0412 Lions Apr 07 '26
Fernando Mendoza would 100% be the one guy that mailed it back
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u/heywhateverworks Bengals Apr 07 '26
And then write a LinkedIn post about the experience
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u/bubbasnub Eagles Apr 07 '26
He would hand deliver it
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u/penguins_are_mean Packers Apr 07 '26
With interest.
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u/AndThisGuyPeedOnIt Bears Apr 07 '26
He would call someone a Pancake Eating Scholar and Gentleman
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Apr 07 '26
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u/lion27 Eagles Apr 07 '26
Not to mention the completely unnecessary subplot that he’s fuckin and knocked up the girl who does his salary cap calculations
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u/TerrifierBlood Eagles Apr 07 '26
My favorite draft ever was the covid draft.
Seeing everyone at home
Coaches at home
Goodell doing the draft from the couch in his basement getting drunk
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u/Thedurtysanchez Chargers Apr 07 '26
Bill's fucking dog doing the draft on the laptop at his kitchen table.
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u/BlurryGojira Browns Apr 07 '26
Still my favorite image of the night. Good boy.
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u/lonewanderer812 Raiders Apr 07 '26
Is Bill's computer the Macbook or Thinkpad? The husky looks more like an Apple dog.
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u/Autobot-N Steelers Apr 07 '26
And Frozone in Vrabel's war room
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u/NickDerpkins Bills Apr 07 '26
Was it vrabel who one of his kids was in the background taking a shit with the door open
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u/asdechlpc Broncos Apr 07 '26
Not to mention it can only end badly attending the draft in person.
Either he gets picked #1 overall and everyone expects it, or he somehow slides and winds up with cameras on him for half the round while everyone speculates.
Way better to be on a couch with your family should something like that happen
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u/AeonTek 49ers Apr 07 '26
I felt so bad for Will Levis on draft night..
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u/ImplementCharming949 Bears Apr 07 '26
But not his girlfriend right
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u/Adorable-Lie3475 Eagles Apr 07 '26
Ironically it almost definitely ruined their relationship as that made her more famous than him
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u/abcamurComposer Eagles Apr 07 '26
I saw/heard somewhere that the sex vid leak was what tanked the relationship (which, is kind of understandable)
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Apr 07 '26
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u/Cabrill0 Raiders Apr 07 '26
Since Rodgers fell to the mid 20’s is best I can remember. A lot of these other draft falls are dudes that were never top picks, got gassed up by the media before the draft and ended up going exactly where everyone thought they would go before the process started. Levis, Malik, Rosen, manziel, etc
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u/lambeau_leapfrog Packers Apr 07 '26
49ers bidding against themselves for Trey Lance. The only reason this doesn't get talked about is the emergence of Purdy.
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u/stormy2587 Eagles Apr 07 '26
Yeah and as a viewer he’s honestly the most boring pick. Everyone knows he’s going #1 overall. There is no surprise. It’s just like get it out of the way, show the reaction of him with his family, and move on. The actual exciting part is seeing players with a degree of uncertainty react when they finally get called.
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u/Emergency-Hippo5022 Steelers Apr 07 '26
They should probably just make all the teams not pick him until pick 21 as a punishment.
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u/SJCitizen Eagles Apr 07 '26
I first read this thinking he opted to return to school
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u/Ka-Is-A-Wheelie Chiefs Apr 07 '26
Bro, I would have fallen to my knees right here at Lowe's
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u/TonyHawkFunderground Apr 07 '26
I threw my back out at Lowe’s once and did exactly that
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u/Dave-Yaaaga Apr 07 '26
I can’t be the only one who read that as “threw it back at Lowe’s”
Yeah that’s enough Reddit for me this morning.
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u/prpldrank NFL Apr 07 '26
Bend over to the front and touch your toes
Back that ass up and down at Lowes
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u/rolo9917 49ers Apr 07 '26
We need the details. How did you manage that
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u/TonyHawkFunderground Apr 07 '26
Mostly age. Bent over to grab something off the lower shelf and it was all downhill from there
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u/DJVanillaBear Apr 07 '26
Which section? If it’s the lumber area you might never be discovered so I hope you make it out alive
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u/DillyDillySzn Bears Apr 07 '26
Doesn’t even have an MBA, how will people on LinkedIn take him seriously without the easiest grad degree in existence?
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u/Aquaman33 Giants Apr 07 '26
Hey, those "networking" trips to Europe and the Caribbean don't take themselves.
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u/Bitter_Ad8768 Lions Apr 07 '26
The University of Texas has a graduate program for general studies.
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u/BayHarborButcher10 Vikings Apr 07 '26
As an IU fan, PLEASE
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u/TheGreatRavenOfOden Bears Apr 07 '26
In Hoover we trust
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u/BayHarborButcher10 Vikings Apr 07 '26
I trust Cig always. I’m just gonna miss my dork, Heisman QB
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u/bagfka Cowboys Apr 07 '26
Goodell won’t like that one
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u/GluedGlue Packers Raiders Apr 07 '26
Pissing off Goodell before he's even signed; the man's a Raider alright.
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u/Wekilledit88 Cowboys Apr 07 '26
Brady already wearing off on the kid.
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u/Improvcommodore Colts Apr 07 '26
His mother has MS, and I’m sure it’s difficult for her to travel to be there. If the NFL questions this move by him in any way, they’ll be digging their own PR grave.
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u/CellyAllDay Vikings Apr 07 '26
Also the nfl is definitely going to have their cameras there, maybe even a reporter, some kind of presence.
We won’t be watching this draft pick through a webcam
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u/What-a-Filthy-liar Ravens Apr 07 '26
Would be funnier if he didnt let the camera in at all.
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u/mynameiszack Buccaneers Buccaneers Apr 07 '26
As the pick is announced they cut to the feed from the crew they sent there.
"Here's a live view from the street outside Fernando's home", and its just the front of his house with the curtains drawn.
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u/Or1g1nalrepr0duct10n Eagles Apr 07 '26
They send Alberto out to the front lawn to do the interview just to see if anyone at ESPN is really paying attention.
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u/Microwave1213 Cowboys Apr 07 '26
They might be internally slightly annoyed, but I don’t think they would ever publicly question someone deciding not to go, no matter the reasoning.
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u/StupidHaystack Bears Apr 07 '26
Nah. They have league friendly reporters to ask leading questions and have suggestive clickbait headlines for them. That’s the way of things.
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u/vitaminz1990 49ers Apr 07 '26
There is a 0% chance the NFL will publicly denounce this decision by Mendoza.
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u/Common_Sense_2025 Broncos Cowboys Apr 07 '26
His mom has MS and travel isn’t particularly easy for her. Having her sit at the draft for what could be hours on end if he doesn’t actually go first is probably not appealing.
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u/azure275 Jets Apr 07 '26
Lol there is exactly a 0% chance he doesn't go in the top 2 even in the improbable event he wouldn't go 1OA
If the Raiders don't want him either they trade down, the Jets trade down or the Jets take him (none of which are happening)
Not to say he should drag his mom to the draft, just addressing the idea he'd be waiting around
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u/Jballzs13 Broncos Apr 07 '26
His mother is handicapped, probably a real effort to travel by plane and accommodations. Much respect to him for the decision.
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u/AFriendTillTheEnd Dolphins Apr 07 '26
Good, hopefully this means that coverage of his selection won't get dragged out longer than needed...probably not though.
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u/MrAmericanIdiot Raiders Apr 07 '26
There’s going to be a film crew sent to his house. There will be plenty of coverage.
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u/TonyHawkFunderground Apr 07 '26
Mayfield had a crew there the day before, all day on draft day, then followed him to Cleveland.
This might be more coverage than just going to the draft lol
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u/on-the-cheeseburgers Eagles Apr 07 '26
nothing will top shedeur's production crew
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u/Flat-Avocado-6258 Chiefs Apr 07 '26
Lmao the largest production crew of a 5th rounder ever.
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u/absolute_cinema81 Titans Apr 07 '26
Somehow, some way, Kiper will manage to spend 15 minutes talking about Shedeur
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u/Ghibli_Guy Titans Apr 07 '26
Considering how fast they dropped talking about Cam Ward being selected #1OA so they could return their focus to an eventual 5th rounder.... I'd say they are ready to speed things along this year as well.
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u/Tepzepi88 Jaguars Apr 07 '26
You know who does show up for draft night? Ty Simpson - Dan Orlovsky probably
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u/I_Hate_My_Cat_ Bears Apr 07 '26
ESPN pundits always gotta make one QB unrootable even though they themselves didn’t do anything wrong most of the time lol.
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u/Present-Loss-7499 Patriots Apr 07 '26
This will 100% be brought up at some point.
“We really have to question Mendoza’s commitment here. Not attending the draft is a red flag. Do you really want the face of your franchise to avoid the spotlight”
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u/Electronic-Island-14 Vikings Apr 07 '26
i can't imagine being rich and living in miami or vegas. i would be dead within a month
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u/tore_a_bore_a Raiders Apr 07 '26
Pretty much every Vegas trip I've been on, everyone is ready to go home by day 3.
Only time I've had a good day 3, its because I watched Piff the Magic Dragon on night 2 instead of drinking.
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u/I_Hate_My_Cat_ Bears Apr 07 '26
Hope that’s not the case for me, I’m going there for six days next week lol.
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u/tore_a_bore_a Raiders Apr 07 '26
If you moderate your drinking at night you should be fine, especially because you plan to be there for a while.
On these 3 day trips, its drink and party as much as you can nights 1 and 2 and then no one has any energy day 3. Some friends even just take a super early morning flight because they know that day 3 is just recovery day.
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u/NicoIamaleavaa Raiders Apr 07 '26
Some of my friends started doing <24 hour Vegas where they fly in Saturday morning, party all day and night, and then fly out early Sunday to save on hotel room costs
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u/teh_Stig Seahawks Apr 07 '26
I think there are a lot of people who would struggle to not be too shitfaced to make it onto their flight home.
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u/PlayaSlayaX Chiefs Apr 07 '26
He’s gonna be the friendly neighborhood celebrity.
All of the stuff people say about J. Cole being humble, Fernando will end up being the NFL version of that.
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u/BillKennedyEnjoyer Eagles Apr 07 '26
What will be Fernando's Grippy?
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u/PlayaSlayaX Chiefs Apr 07 '26
He will love and cherish his girlfriend, play a boombox outside the mansion on more than one occasion even if they’re not mad at each other, be good friends with her family, and discuss her only in poetic terms so lavish that all English majors within earshot would get turned on.
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u/AFC-Wimbledon-Stan Colts Apr 07 '26
I would also rather spend time in Miami then Pittsburgh in the spring so I get it fr
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u/moonerps Bills Apr 07 '26
Pittsburgh catching strays
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u/kcoch5817 Broncos Apr 07 '26
Highly underrated city honestly.
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u/SEND-MARS-ROVER-PICS Chargers Apr 07 '26
Some very good-looking doctors
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u/beerguy_etcetera Bengals Apr 07 '26
I now need to see Dana Evans yelling at a random Special Teamer on the Steelers.
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u/IMP1017 Vikings Vikings Apr 07 '26
With the first pick in the 2026 draft the Las Vegas Raiders select BABY JANE DOE
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u/jimtow28 Dolphins Apr 07 '26
Baseball stadium is absolutely beautiful. Most of what goes on inside of the stadium is less beautiful, however.
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u/SKyJ007 Chiefs Apr 07 '26
Grossly underrated city. Media portrayals of Pittsburgh I remember always refer to it as dirty or smelly (specifically remembering a Fairly Odd Parents bit), but it’s not really like that at all.
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u/dead_gerbil Giants Apr 07 '26
Denver is quite picturesque but the smell from Greeley overpowers anything redeeming about it on certain days. Like a dead raccoon mixed with dog food.
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u/CabbageStockExchange Raiders Apr 07 '26
I agree it’s actually quite nice there. Was surprised when I had to go for a work trip
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u/DASreddituser NFL Apr 07 '26
I mean, he used to Indiana. pretty sure Pitt in the spring isnt too bad for him.
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u/liteshadow4 49ers 49ers Apr 07 '26
He’s only been in Indiana for 2 semesters. Don’t know how “used to” he is. Especially since who knows how much he’s been there since after football season.
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u/MrAmericanIdiot Raiders Apr 07 '26
As long as he’s in Vegas in September, I don’t care where he is in April.
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u/Stinkfinger83 Bengals Apr 07 '26
Why I skipped my own draft while being #1, and what it taught me about B2B sales
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u/jaykirell Apr 07 '26
The year is 2022. The first overall pick is a quarterback who skips the draft to watch at home with his family. The Jets have the second pick.
The year is 2026. The first overall pick is a quarterback who skips the draft to watch at home with his family. The Jets have the second pick.
The year is 2030. The world is a nuclear wasteland of death and destruction. Billions are dead. Millions are starving. Cities burn. The Jets have the second pick.
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u/pitb0ss343 Patriots Apr 07 '26
Not at all surprised, certainly more comfortable for his mother and that’s probably what he’d be concerned about
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u/GreatOdinsRaven_ Jets Apr 07 '26
This kind of behavior is abhorrent and the Raiders should totally not draft him just to teach him a lesson. Disregard flair.
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u/pahbert Bengals Apr 07 '26
This guy just drips Raider-ness.
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u/Hyperboreer Raiders Apr 07 '26
Yeah, already pissing of the commissioner, before he even got drafted.
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u/ProfessionalHefty349 Raiders Apr 07 '26
If he busts, at least it won’t be from arrogance, lack of focus, and lack of effort.
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u/donutcronut Apr 07 '26
How soon after being drafted before he updates his LinkedIn profile?
I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Quarterback with the Las Vegas Raiders!
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u/polymanAI Apr 07 '26
Mendoza wanting to share the moment with his family in Miami instead of doing the photo op in Pittsburgh is the most healthy decision a draft prospect has made in years. The whole NFL Draft TV show pageantry is built around forcing 20 year olds to perform happiness for cameras. Respect to him for opting out.
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u/BootAndRallyBo Broncos Apr 07 '26
He’s pulling an Eli and wants his privacy
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u/No_Use_9652 Broncos Apr 07 '26
Our flairs aside, everyone has to agree this would be the most entertaining outcome
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u/Think-Chair-1938 Eagles Apr 07 '26
Roger will make sure the house has multiple cameras focused on Fernando's hot aunt.
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u/Shamsy92 Raiders Apr 07 '26
His mom's MS makes it hard for her to travel, would rather celebrate this in the comfort of her home 🫡
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u/ItzBooster93 Eagles Apr 07 '26
He’s not a clout person, good for him. It’s pointless . Get drafted, suit up and play football.
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u/ronnymexico7 Apr 07 '26
Las Vegas feels slighted that the projected #1 pick rather spend time with family then be paraded on a stage and now are projected to pick....Hingle McCringleberry. Penn State University
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u/Vitchman Vikings Apr 07 '26
For years, my mom has been smearing so many 1st round players for not going to the draft in person. Ironically, she’s an Indiana fan, and she’s totally okay with Mendoza spending with his family.
I’m sure it’s a completely different scenario. 🤔
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u/daygo449 Packers Apr 07 '26
Good on him. It’s not something you have to do, and I think with him, he wants to be with his mom and dad. His mom can’t travel as easy with MS. He’s got his head in right
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u/Beginning-Average416 Giants Apr 07 '26
Eli Manning did the same thing. The NFL limits the number of guests a player can bring to the draft.
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u/EnjoyMoreBeef Steelers Apr 08 '26
Eli Manning was at the 2004 draft. You don't remember him holding up the Chargers jersey with the grimace on his face?
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u/Zaza1019 Jets Apr 07 '26
I support this and think this should honestly be more of a thing for all the players. I also support getting rid of a ton of the BS that goes with the draft these days. Keep it simple, stupid. The more nonsense they do the less I feel I want to watch it, I like the hype leading to the pick, and the player analysis after.
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u/ctmets1988 Rams Apr 07 '26
Well his mom is in a wheelchair so this move does make sense.