First Pick in NFL Draft Puts God First

Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and national champion from the Indiana Hoosiers, was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night. He was projected to be the sure pick for the Las Vegas Raiders but rather than be in Pittsburgh for the big night, he decided to remain at home with his family in Coral Gables, Fla.

Most likely, this was due his mother’s continued battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). Mendoza received the call about his selection and was emotional as he remained seated to embrace his mother and his father. This witness was powerful for me as someone who has followed Mendoza’s game this year, but especially as someone who has followed his witness and faith this past season.

When he won the Heisman Trophy in 2025, Mendoza’s first words were to give glory to God, the One who has given him the opportunity and blessing. His words were humble and focused on the support of his family and team, not himself. In January 2026, he won the national championship. The day before the game, he was asked why he speaks so much about his faith, and he gave this response:

“In today’s day and age, it can be very discouraging to talk about your faith, especially on national television,” he said. “However, I always want to stay true to myself and true to my authentic self. So, I know God has gotten me to this point, and I owe so much to Him. So I really can’t thank Him enough, and I give Him all the glory because He’s meant so much to myself and to my teammates and my family throughout this journey. Without Him, I would not be here. I wouldn’t have this opportunity that I have today without Him.”

It is clear that Mendoza’s willingness to speak about his faith and his overall character was passed down from his parents. At every game, no matter the accolade or the importance of Fernando’s achievement, his father remains seated next to his wife (often in a wheelchair) as they both clap and cheer for their son. It could be the game-winning throw or the defining scramble for a touchdown in the most important game of his son’s life—Fernando’s dad remains seated to cheer with his wife.

That type of intentional and sacrificial love is what Mendoza has learned throughout his entire life. His attention to detail, desire to be a team player, and willingness to give credit to everyone but himself are learned traits that flow from the Christian faith of his family. This past week, he was the biggest name in the NFL. Along with his name comes the name of God, whom he gives all the glory to each step of the way.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch the growing number of other young men taking the same path on their draft day and with their lives.

Jordyn Tyson is a wide reciever from Arizona State who was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 8 overall pick. After he was chosen, he fell to his knees in prayer and thanksgiving before rising to the stage to receive his hat and jersey from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

In an interview directly after his selection, Tyson said: “I’m just so thankful, so blessed. The Lord’s doing work on me and He’s not done. We’re going to keep this thing rolling. I’m going to give Him my all, and that’s all I can do.”

The 11th overall pick, Caleb Downs (safety from Ohio State) said: “First of all, I just want to say thank God. Without Him none of us would be here. Just thankful for my savior, Jesus Christ.” Downs even chose the Christian song “King of Glory” by CeCe Winans as his walk-up song.

Ty Simpson (QB from Alabama), who was selected as the 13th overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams, also gave all the glory to his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The 20th overall pick, who landed with the Philadelphia Eagles, was Makai Lemon. He said simply: “I’m just so blessed right now. I just praise the Lord for every moment.”

A compilation of these players’ words was made by Sports Spectrum. They continue to provide powerful and poignant reporting on the intersection of faith and sports. The stage for a growing number of athletes is becoming not just about showcasing their talent, but an avenue to proclaim who God is and how much He loves us.

Seeing these young men speak so boldly and comfortably can serve as a reminder to all disciples to be willing to speak their faith in the open. The result will be a refining of our own faith and a spreading of the gospel far and wide. Because no matter who gets selected where, we are all chosen to follow Him.

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