Fernando Mendoza Personal News Announced Amid NFL Season

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Fernando Mendoza Personal News Announced Amid NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 2, 2026 7:22 AM ET

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been honored for his philanthropic work off the field.

On Sunday, the Raiders snapped their four-game losing skid with a 38-33 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Las Vegas starting QB Kirk Cousins led the offense, completing 19 of 26 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Mendoza remained on the bench and has appeared in just one of the Raiders’ eight regular-season games.

This latest victory improved the Raiders’ record to 4-4, but they remain in third place in the AFC West standings.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft received the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Circle of Philanthropy Award. The honor was presented during a special game-day event, where the Mendoza Family Fund hosted families and supporters affected by multiple sclerosis.

The Mendoza Family Fund announced the news in an Instagram post.

“We also celebrated @fernandomendoza as the Society presented him with its Circle of Philanthropy Award in recognition of his personal contribution that helped launch the Fund earlier this year,” an excerpt from the post read.

View this post on Instagram

The celebration coincided with the $1 million raised to advance MS research and improve access to treatments.

Mendoza launched the fund with his family in April, ahead of the NFL Draft, personally committing $500,000 to support MS research at the University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine.

The 23-year-old former Indiana standout commented on the post, expressing his gratitude. “Thank you for your support!! ” he wrote. The Las Vegas rookie also shared the announcement post in an Instagram story.

The Raiders will look to build on their Week 8 victory when they visit the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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