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'He's a Throwback': Fernando Mendoza Keeps Business Focus as NFL Draft Waits

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza revealed he used NIL earnings to complete his degree at UC-Berkeley's Haas School of Business in three years.
Steve Etter, who has lectured at Haas for 31 years, noted Mendoza practiced a "growth mindset" while balancing football captaincies with commercial real estate internships during his studies.
Mendoza partnered with U.S. Bank and its Financial Edge program to promote financial literacy, prioritizing "inputs and outputs" and "ROI" as he prepares for his professional career.
Joining the Las Vegas Raiders as a top NFL draft prospect, Mendoza said he enjoys the "best of both worlds" by combining his athletic pursuits with financial education.
Characterized by Etter as a "throwback" and "formula guy," Mendoza maintains a genuine approach to his career, even using "V-lookup" in Excel to check his progress.

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The Daily Progress

+24 Reposted by 24 other sources

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'He's a throwback': Fernando Mendoza keeps business focus as NFL Draft waits

Of the 300 students Steve Etter teaches every semester, more than 95%, according to Etter’s best estimate, perform financial functions via Microsoft Excel.

2 days ago

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Lincoln Journal Star

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Mendoza keeps business focus as draft waits

Of the 300 students Steve Etter teaches every semester, more than 95%, according to Etter's best estimate, perform financial functions via Microsoft Excel.

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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