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Heisman Star Mendoza Pledges $500K for MS, Joins Raiders

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fernando Mendoza, whose mother battles multiple sclerosis, pledged a $500,000 donation to MS research as he celebrated his No. 1 overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders will report Mendoza to Henderson, where head coach Klint Kubiak said he will start as a backup to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to a national championship, and became the program’s first No. 1 overall pick since 1938.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s first organized talent allocation began with the 1938 draft on December 12 1937, when the Cleveland Rams chose Corbett Davis as the first overall pick in a 12-round, 110-player selection. Over eight decades the draft has become a platform for league-wide social initiatives, exemplified by Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza’s 2024 pledge of $500,000 to multiple-sclerosis research.

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Story summary

Fernando Mendoza, whose mother battles multiple sclerosis, pledged a $500,000 donation to MS research as he celebrated his No. 1 overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders will report Mendoza to Henderson, where head coach Klint Kubiak said he will start as a backup to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to a national championship, and became the program’s first No. 1 overall pick since 1938.

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