A year ago at IU football fall camp, alpha leaders on both sides of the ball barked at each other.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza and linebacker Aiden Fisher had their share of verbal duels, in the process helping to the prepare each other for Indiana’s magical national championship run.
The pair became close friends over the course of the 2025 season, and both were selected in April’s NFL Draft.
Now in week two of the exhibition season, Mendoza and Fisher are set to face off once again.
Mendoza will be playing quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders while Fisher plays linebacker for the Houston Texans when those teams meet at 8 p.m. Thursday (ESPN). Neither player is currently a starter, so there’s a decent chance they’ll go head–to-head in Houston.
Between the white lines, the friendship hits pause.
“That’s one of my best friends. We had a great run last year,” Fisher told Aaron Wilson of KRPC. “but now it’s competitors. We haven’t really talked much this week. We’ll talk a little bit after.”
Las Vegas and Houston also met in a joint practice earlier this week.
“I’m excited for him (Mendoza). I think he’s done a great job in the way that he’s developed and handled himself. It’s been really fun to watch and be a part of,” Fisher added. “In terms of practice and stuff, it would just be two competitors, and then we’ll save all the hugs and conversations for after.
“We’ll definitely meet up at some point, share some words. Obviously we’re in a competitive field, but, at the end of the day, when you care about somebody, they’re one of your best friends, and you’ve been through some hard times and good times with them, you don’t turn your cheek on them just because you’re a competitor. So it’ll be great to see him, and I’m excited for it.”
Both Mendoza and Fisher had strong performances in week one of the exhibition campaign. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a score, while Fisher had a team-high seven tackles.
Also playing in the game for the Raiders will be former Hoosiers E.J. Williams (WR), Roman Hemby (RB) and Ian Thomas (TE).
MORE NFL NOTES:
Kaelon Black has returned to practice with San Francisco after suffering an adductor injury. Black ran at practice this week as lead back for the 49ers after Christian McCaffrey suffered an injury.
Kurtis Rourke has not returned to practice with San Francisco after suffering a rib injury that necessitated a quick stop at the hospital. He’s not expected to be out for a significant amount of time.
C.J. West has also missed time at 49ers practice this week.
The 49ers also play Thursday evening, at 10 p.m. ET vs. the Chargers on NFL Network.
D’Angelo Ponds is nearing a return with the Jets after suffering a calf injury.
Linebacker Cam Jones is back on a roster after he re-signed with Kansas City this week. Jones was waived by the Giants last month.
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