Fernando Mendoza’s rise to American football’s elite had a deeply familiar chapter. After being selected as the first overall pick of the 2026 Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders —an achievement that confirmed his status as one of the greatest promises of the NFL—, the young marshal received a moving message from his grandparents, a key piece in his deepest and sporting history.
Mendoza, quarterback of Cuban roots and winner of the Heisma TrophyAfter a brilliant university career with Indiana, he decided to live the most important moment of his career surrounded by his loved ones at home, prioritizing the family environment that accompanied him throughout his entire process.
In that intimate context—marked by closeness and gratitude—his grandparents dedicated words full of pride and meaning to him.
“Fernando, I am very proud of you, not only for what you have achieved, but for the type of person you are… Your success did not come from luck, but from hard work, discipline and never giving up,” his grandfather expressed in a clip broadcast by the NFL through Twitter, highlighting the values that have guided the young quarterback’s career.
The message not only recognized the sporting achievements, but also the human impact of the player within his family:
“The world is better because you are in it. May God keep you healthy and happy. We love you,” he added.
For her part, her grandmother evoked the close bond they have built since childhood, underscoring Mendoza’s profound growth over the years:
“Since you came into this world you taught me how to be a grandmother… I learned that love has no limits.”
He also highlighted the meaning of seeing him reach the NFL after years of effort:
“You worked very hard to get here… I couldn’t be more proud of the man you’ve become.”he added.
Fernando’s reaction to the message
His grandparents’ words reflect a family history deeply rooted in Latino culture. Mendoza, whose four grandparents were born in Cuba, has recognized on different occasions the influence of that environment on his deepest education, something that he himself reiterated after hearing the message.
“They raised me since I was a child… They instilled in me Cuban culture and love“, the player responded in the same video, visibly excited.
The new Raiders quarterback also stressed the important role of family support in his development:
“My grandmother has been an endless source of love and support.…with that you know that you can achieve anything,” he concluded.
The scene adds to other emotional moments surrounding his election, such as his mother’s speech and the decision to stay home to share the achievement with his close circle, which has reinforced the narrative of a player whose career is closely linked to his family.
In the midst of million-dollar contracts and sporting expectations, the message from his grandparents made it clear that, behind the draft phenomenon, there is a story built on affection, identity and resilience.
Keep reading:
– Fernando Mendoza is chosen No. 1 in the Draft by the Raiders and makes history
– Fernando Mendoza’s week after the championship: TV shows and a bobblehead
– A Cuban shines in New York: Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman and speaks in Spanish
