Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, has decided against joining his former Indiana teammates for their customary White House visit on May 11.
The Heisman Trophy winner addressed the question during a recent press conference, though his initial response mistakenly referenced the start of the Raiders' organized team activities (OTAs). The OTAs actually begin on May 18, a week after the White House visit.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I've got to prove myself,” Mendoza told reporters on Saturday. “I can’t miss practice. I don't have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. I want to try to best serve my teammates, and I don't know if that'd be accomplishing that goal.”
Mendoza’s decision comes after a historic collegiate career, which included a Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and being selected first overall in the NFL Draft. His focus now is on adapting to his new team and proving himself as a rookie.
At the Raiders' rookie minicamp this weekend, Mendoza worked alongside some of his new teammates, emphasizing the shift back to football after months of hype and milestones.
“Out of all those great milestones, I’m really happy about these past two days, because it’s back to football.” Fernando Mendoza, via Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal
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