Raiders' Fernando Mendoza drops surprising career update

Fernando Mendoza is not your average NFL player.

A gifted passer whose game has drawn comparisons to fellow Raiders hurler Kirk Cousins, Mendoza will have to wait a little longer to get his chance to shine on an NFL field.

In the meantime, the No, 1 pick is directing his talents elsewhere — namely, the field of financial analysis.

With that, here's what you need to know about Mendoza's decision to shift career paths ever so slightly.

MORE: Inside Fernando Mendoza's LinkedIn page

Cousins' play has pushed Mendoza to the fringes of the first-team. Although the Indiana product figures to be the Raiders' face of the franchise going forward, he's likely to spend much of his opening campaign on the sideline.

That hasn't stopped him from making waves off the field. Mendoza announced that he's starting a series called "Finance with Fernando."

"My true passion is fiscal responsibility," Mendoza said in the trailer.

Mendoza has made his appreciation of finances evident, embracing the field during his time with the Hoosiers. His pursuit of financial security is scrawled across his LinkedIn page; the business administration major looks to be a budding entrepreneur.

"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."

Mendoza is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Business Administration and Management. His listed date of completion is Dec. 2026.

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