Fernando Mendoza shares NFL Draft night plans: Family and Cuban food - What is a “caja china”?

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.

“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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