Fernando Mendoza shares NFL Draft night plans: Family and Cuban food - What is a “caja china”?
The No. 1 overall prospect is staying home for the NFL Draft to spend it with his family, and they have interesting plans for their dinner that night.
While many top prospects will be in attendance at the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza is planning a very different kind of night. The projected No. 1 overall pick is expected to stay home with family rather than walk the stage, opting for a more personal celebration as he awaits the biggest moment of his football career.
And according to Mendoza, the focus won’t just be on football.
A family celebration rooted in Cuban tradition
In an interview on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Mendoza described a draft night centered around his Cuban heritage, with family and close friends gathering to celebrate together.
And the highlight of the evening will be a traditional meal prepared using a method known as a “caja china”.
Mendoza explained that his family plans to roast a whole pig as part of the celebration, something they’ve done before during big moments. The process, he said, is a long-standing tradition within his family and can take up to 24 hours, with relatives playing an active role in preparing and cooking the meal.
Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and his family will be roasting an ENTIRE PIG for his NFL Draft party 😋@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/HyiRBfypDU
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 20, 2026
“It’s going to be a cool experience,” Mendoza said, describing the event as both a cultural and family-driven gathering rather than a public spectacle.
What is a “caja china”?
The “caja china”, which translates to “Chinese box”, is a traditional outdoor roasting box widely used in Cuban and Caribbean cooking. It’s designed to cook a whole pig evenly over several hours, using charcoal placed on top of a sealed box to create consistent heat.
The result is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served in a variety of ways, including sandwiches and shared dishes for large groups.
For families like Mendoza’s, it’s not just about the food. It’s about the experience. Preparing a meal this way typically involves multiple people and becomes a social event in itself, bringing everyone together long before the actual celebration begins.
A different kind of draft night
Mendoza is expected to hear his name called early, very likely by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick, and though the setting may be different, the significance of the moment remains the same.
Instead of bright lights and a commissioner’s handshake, Mendoza will be surrounded by family, tradition, and a celebration that reflects where he comes from. And when his name is finally called, it will be the centerpiece of a night already filled with meaning.
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