Mendoza will participate from home, dressed in a formal BOSS suit, and will appear on a stage-like setup in Pittsburgh as the draft unfolds.
In a CNBC Sport podcast, Mendoza explained that he’ll be at home but aims to be an elite partner to the NFL, stressing that the decision was driven by family considerations. “I’ll be wearing a BOSS suit,” he said, noting he chose to remain with loved ones rather than travel to the draft.
The decision centers on his mother, Elsa Mendoza, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. She has supported her son at his games throughout Indiana’s recent high-profile run, including the national championship campaigns.
Indiana defeated Miami at Hard Rock Stadium to clinch the national title, and Mendoza’s family decision reflected the desire to avoid a demanding trip to Pittsburgh that would be difficult for his mother to attend.
Mendoza is widely expected to be the first overall pick, with the Raiders on the clock. A selection would pair him with legendary quarterback Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Las Vegas franchise.
When Mendoza’s name is finally announced, he is expected to acknowledge his mother publicly, continuing the connection he highlighted during his Heisman Trophy moment.
