He might not be the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback, but rookie Fernando Mendoza is loving life in the NFL.
“It feels great,” Mendoza told GOOD MORNING AMERICA about being named QB2 behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. “And that might be not what you’re expecting to hear. However, I am all for whatever the team wants and whatever is best for the team. The coaches decided that that is best for the team, so I’m all in. I’m excited to see my guys go out there and play and try to be the best teammate possible.”
Being “all-in” means eliminating any outside distractions. That includes all social media accounts.
“I’m able to eliminate that,” he said, before adding that he only listens to “sources that are most important to me, which is anybody that’s part of the organization, family and friends.”
One piece of life he won’t eliminate is his relationship with God. After winning the Heisman Trophy last year, Mendoza first praised God for the opportunity.
“Thank you to everybody. First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt the world away. Standing here tonight, holding this bad boy, representing Indiana University, still doesn’t feel real,” he began. “If you told me, as a kid in Miami, that I’d be here on stage, holding this prestigious trophy, I probably would have laughed, cried, like I’m doing now, or both. Because this moment, it’s an honor, it’s bigger than me. It’s a product of a family, team, community, and a whole lot of people who believed in me long before anybody knew my name.”
Related: Fernando Mendoza Glorifies God After Historic Season, Heisman Win
He then spoke directly to his mom, who is his biggest supporter and motivation to play each day. Mendoza’s mother has multiple sclerosis, but that doesn’t stop her from fighting each day.
“Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why, you’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m going to carry through my side through my entire life,” the quarterback said. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.”
Whether he’s under center or holding a clipboard, Mendoza’s perspective hasn’t wavered. As he settles into his rookie season, the athlete seems less concerned with the depth chart and more focused on the bigger picture: staying grounded, staying ready and staying grateful for a journey that still doesn’t quite feel real.
Read Next: Fernando Mendoza Praises God After Leading Indiana to First-Ever National Championship
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