Did Fernando Mendoza Tank His Draft Stock With Embarrassing Opening Pitch Before Marlins Game? [VIDEO]
In 24 hours, Fernando Mendoza is supposed to be hearing his name called as the number one overall draft pick. That might not be the case anymore.
Mendoza’s spotlight moment before an MLB crowd did not go as planned. The projected top NFL Draft prospect stepped onto the mound ahead of the Miami Marlins game on Tuesday night. It would quickly become a talking point on social media. The moment was shared via MLB’s official post, capturing Mendoza’s appearance on the mound.
The presumptive number one pick in Thursday’s draft is a Miami native who graduated from Christopher Columbus High School.
As one of the most talked-about young football prospects, his presence alone generated buzz. His throw sailed off target, immediately drawing reactions online.
“Indiana star QB Fernando Mendoza struggles to throw a baseball at the Marlins game tonight. A world-class athlete who is used to throwing…what is going on??” one viral post said.
Indiana star QB Fernando Mendoza struggles to throw a baseball at the Marlins game tonight. A world-class athlete who is used to throwing…what is going on?? pic.twitter.com/4uG6cAELMu
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 22, 2026
This one moment from Fernando Mendoza highlighted how closely every move is being watched as his draft stock continues to rise.
Fernando Mendoza Won’t Be At The NFL Draft
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, and many believe Fernando Mendoza could be the No. 1 pick overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. We won’t know for certain until the draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. EST.
What we do know is that Mendoza will skip the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. He opted to stay in Miami with his family to support his mother, Elsa. She uses a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. Mendoza told “The Rich Eisen Show” that staying home is easier for her and allows him to celebrate with loved ones, per the New York Post.
Mendoza enters the league after playing three seasons of college football. He transferred to Indiana before the 2025-26 campaign, which was a great decision for him. Mendoza ended last season with 3,535 passing yards while leading the nation in passing touchdowns with 41.
He managed to record those numbers while completing 72.0% of his pass attempts, while also totaling seven additional touchdowns on the ground.
Did Fernando Mendoza Tank His Draft Stock With Embarrassing Opening Pitch Before Marlins Game? [VIDEO]
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