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Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza added another unforgettable moment to his incredible year after officially graduating from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration and Management 🎓

The 22-year-old QB transferred from Cal to Indiana ahead of the 2025 season and later capped off the year by winning a national championship before making the jump to the NFL.

Although Mendoza initially missed graduation because he had already reported for professional football duties, he was finally able to participate in today’s commencement ceremony held at the Greek Theatre.

The crowd erupted after a memorable introduction during the ceremony:

“So, I hope you don’t mind that I invited this person to our MBA commencement. He actually had a really good excuse for missing commencement. He used his skills and coursework to negotiate an excellent job and an excellent comp package, but he wasn’t able to change his start date when he needed to report to his new job. So, can you please help me in welcoming Las Vegas Raider, Heisman Trophy winner, Haas graduate, and Cal Bear forever, Fernando Mendoza.” 👏

There continues to be optimism around Cowboys WR George Pickens and a possible long-term future in Dallas, according to Jeremy Fowler.

Although Pickens and the Cowboys were unable to agree on a multi-year extension this offseason, the relationship between both sides reportedly remains in a very good place. Pickens signed the $27 million franchise tag and is still expected to be fully locked in for the 2026 season.

Fowler noted that Pickens has not been around the team facility much lately, but he has spent part of the offseason working privately with quarterback Dak Prescott to continue building chemistry ahead of the upcoming year.

“He signed the franchise tag, $27 million,” Fowler explained. “Hasn’t really been a fixture in the building, kind of stayed away a little bit but I’m told he has worked with Dak Prescott this offseason offsite.”

Despite not landing the contract extension he wanted, Pickens reportedly loves being in Dallas and still hopes a long-term agreement can eventually be reached in the future.

“Loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more,” Fowler added. “They weren’t able to get one, but they’re hopeful down the road they can work it out.”

Fowler also said he does not expect Pickens to hold out at any point.

The 25-year-old receiver is coming off a huge 2025 campaign where he earned second-team All-Pro honors after posting career-best numbers with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns.

Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza didn’t hide his frustration after being forced to miss OTAs last weekend in order to attend the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles. 😐

The No. 1 overall pick said he would have much rather stayed with the team and continued practicing instead of leaving for the mandatory rookie program.

“I’m going to be completely honest with you,” Mendoza said. “I’d rather be practicing right now, and I was really upset about actually having to miss practice for this.”

The NFLPA Rookie Premiere has been running for the past 32 years and is intended to help incoming NFL players build connections, receive mentorship, and learn more about endorsements, branding, and the business side of the league.

Although Mendoza clearly preferred being at Raiders workouts, he explained that he still tried to stay positive and take full advantage of the experience while he was there.

“I’m not going to feel sorry for myself and feel wishy-washy,” Mendoza said. “I’m going to have a smile on my face and make the most of that present moment.”

The 22-year-old quarterback has already developed a reputation for prioritizing practice and preparation above everything else. Earlier this year, Mendoza even skipped Indiana’s White House visit because he didn’t want to miss valuable team activities and workouts.

(via Sports Illustrated)

Abdul Carter has responded to the online buzz surrounding him and Giants QB Jaxson Dart, making it clear there’s no bad blood between the two after Dart’s appearance at a Donald Trump rally.

Following days of speculation from fans online, Carter addressed the situation directly on social media and said everything between him and Dart has already been settled privately.

“Me & JD6 are good! We spoke earlier as men. Yall can keep yall narratives,” Carter wrote.

The attention started after Carter reacted to a clip of Dart introducing President Donald Trump at a rally, posting:
“Thought this s**t was AI, what we doing man?” 😭

That response quickly went viral and led many fans to believe there could be tension inside the Giants locker room. But according to Carter’s latest update, both teammates have already talked things through, and the outside drama appears to be bigger than the actual situation itself.

Forbes has named Packers defensive star Micah Parsons the top-earning player in the NFL for 2026, with his total estimated income this year reaching a staggering $86.4 million. 💰

Parsons climbed to the top of the financial rankings thanks largely to his blockbuster 4-year, $188 million contract with Green Bay, a deal that reportedly includes $120 million fully guaranteed. Along with his massive salary, Parsons has also secured several profitable endorsement partnerships, including major campaigns with Adidas.

The Packers star ended up earning more than every other player in football on Forbes’ latest list, even finishing ahead of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who came in second overall.

Beyond his success on the field, Parsons continues expanding his presence in the business and media world. The 26-year-old currently serves as a brand ambassador for multiple companies, including Jams peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He also holds the role of president at Bleacher Report’s B/R Gridiron platform, where he hosts his own podcast as well.

Abdul Carter had a surprised reaction after seeing teammate Jaxson Dart introduce President Donald Trump during a rally in New York. 😳

After the clip started circulating online, Carter responded on social media by saying:
“Thought this s**t was AI, what we doing man?”

His response immediately drew mixed reactions from fans. Some agreed with Carter and supported him for speaking openly, while others felt the situation should’ve been handled privately instead of being posted publicly online.

One user fired back at Carter, writing:
“You lame asf calling out your QB on social media when you got his contact.”

Dart’s appearance at the rally had already become a major talking point across social media, with NFL fans heavily divided over it. Carter’s public reaction only added more fuel to the conversation, and now people are wondering if the situation has also created tension inside the Giants locker room.

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had the honor of introducing U.S. President Donald J. Trump ahead of his rally in New York today 🇺🇸🤝

Standing in front of the crowd, Dart expressed how meaningful the moment was for him, calling it both an incredible honor and a true privilege to be part of the event. He thanked everyone in attendance before proudly welcoming Trump to the stage.

“Without further ado, it is my great honor to introduce the 45th and 47th President of the United States, President Donald J. Trump,” Dart said during his opening remarks.

The appearance quickly caught attention online as fans reacted to the unexpected crossover between the NFL and politics.

The Texans have reportedly been dealt a tough offseason blow after linebacker E.J. Speed suffered a serious injury while working out in the weight room, per Aaron Wilson.

According to the report, Speed partially tore his quadriceps as well as his quadriceps tendon during a lifting session. The injury is expected to require surgery, with the procedure reportedly scheduled for next week as he begins the recovery process.

While the setback is significant, there is still hope that Speed could work his way back onto the field later in the season once rehab is completed.

Houston had recently shown confidence in the veteran linebacker by bringing him back earlier this offseason on a 2-year, $13 million contract. Speed was projected to remain an important contributor to the Texans’ defense heading into the upcoming year before the injury occurred.