In a surprising twist during the NFL Draft season, Fernando Mendoza, the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, shared an eyebrow-raising question he faced from an NFL team. During the pre-draft process, a team suggested he consider getting arrested to intentionally drop in the draft order. Yes, you read that right.
Mendoza chose not to reveal which team posed the question but mentioned it wasn’t one he felt a strong connection with during interviews. This moment highlights just how unpredictable and sometimes absurd the NFL’s pre-draft period can be.
Mendoza's experience underscores the unusual nature of some draft interviews, where prospects often face probing and personal questions. But the idea of a player sabotaging his own draft stock by getting arrested takes things to a whole new level.
Despite the bizarre suggestion, Mendoza has little reason to entertain such antics. After transferring from Cal to Indiana, he delivered an unforgettable season. Mendoza threw 41 touchdown passes, claimed the Heisman Trophy, and led the Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 record, marking their first national championship and the first undefeated 16-game season in major college football in over a century.
Over his college career, Mendoza amassed 8,247 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in three seasons. If he slides on draft night, it certainly won’t be due to following that outlandish advice. And rest assured, he won't be falling far down the board.