PMP Field Notes: The Small Shift Behind the No. 1 Pick

Before the bright lights of the NFL Draft. Before hearing his name called as the Raiders’ No. 1 pick. Fernando Mendoza made a decision that most people never saw. During his run to a college national championship, Mendoza began working with a mindset coach.

At the time, it likely looked like a small move—just another athlete trying to gain an edge. But Mendoza’s mental training may have helped change the trajectory of his career. He has indicated that mindset work shifted his focus away from proving himself and toward committing to his daily effort and preparation.

Rather than chasing perfection, he focused on controllables—preparation, effort, and staying present in the moment. When mistakes happened, he reset and moved forward. That mindset not only helped him embrace the process, it positioned him to be part of Indiana University’s first national championship run. Ultimately, it carried him all the way to becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

At Peak Mindset Performance, we often say: Athletes don’t lose skill under pressure — they lose access to it. Mental training helps athletes regulate their state, focus their attention, and stay connected to the work so that their trained skills show up when it matters most.

Mendoza’s story is a reminder that mindset training isn’t just about gaining success. Sometimes it’s about learning how to focus on the work, day after day, until your preparation shows up when the pressure is highest. And when athletes commit to that process, a small shift in perspective can change the direction of an entire career.

Want to train your mindset the same way elite athletes do? Peak Mindset Performance helps athletes learn how to manage their state, control their story, and access their skills under pressure. To learn more about mental training opportunities, contact Dr. Geoff Weckel at Peak Mindset Performance 🌐 www.peakmindsetperformance.org.