Fernando Mendoza may be headed for a long wait before he gets his first real run on an NFL field, but the Raiders quarterback is already making a move that has nothing to do with reading coverages.
The No. 1 pick is launching a series called “Finance with Fernando,” a project aimed at teaching Gen Z about money. In the trailer, Mendoza puts his interest plainly: “My true passion is fiscal responsibility.”
That off-field lane fits with the way Mendoza has presented himself before. The Indiana product has already shown a clear pull toward finance, and his LinkedIn page reflects that mindset. Listed as a business administration major, he describes himself as someone looking to build a career that blends business, real estate, and finance.
“As a quarterback for Indiana Football, I apply a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and communication to excel both on and off the field,” his page reads. “I'm passionate about leveraging my background in business, real estate, and finance to build a career that combines strategic thinking, teamwork, and community impact. I take pride in fostering positive team culture, adapting to new environments, and driving success through preparation, accountability, and collaboration.”
On the field, Mendoza is expected to spend much of his first season on the sideline. Kirk Cousins’ play has pushed him toward the edge of the first-team picture, even though Mendoza is still viewed as the Raiders’ face of the franchise moving forward. For now, though, his next public spotlight might come with spreadsheets instead of game plans.
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Still, the early numbers also point to a concern that is hard to ignore. Commentary from a radio host and Pro Football Focus data both suggest the run blocking has been among the worst in the NFL, even as the pass blocking grades among the best, creating a lopsided profile that could become a bigger issue if the Raiders need more balance later in the year. [Read more 🡒]