When Fernando Mendoza stepped onto the Heisman Trophy stage in New York, the moment was historic for Indiana football. But for Mendoza, the spotlight immediately turned to someone else: his mother, Elsa Mendoza, whom he has repeatedly called the driving force behind everything he’s accomplished.
“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said during his Heisman acceptance speech. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my life. You’re my why.”
According to The Palm Beach Post, Elsa has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades, a disease that affects the central nervous system and now requires her to use a wheelchair.
Travel is difficult, but that hasn’t stopped her from being present for her son’s biggest moments—from championship games to postseason bowl appearances and the Heisman ceremony itself.
Fernando has said her resilience shaped his understanding of strength long before football did. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud,” he said. “It can be quiet and strong.”
That mindset carried Fernando from overlooked high school recruit to college football’s most decorated player. Raised in Miami after being born in Boston, Fernando leaned heavily on his mother’s belief during moments when his own confidence wavered.
When college offers arrived slowly, Elsa urged patience. “Whatever she said has came to light,” Fernando later reflected. “I just can’t thank her enough for everything.”
Her influence followed him through every stop of his journey—from limited opportunities early in his career at Cal to emerging as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, and ultimately transferring to Indiana as a top portal prospect. That leap culminated in a season for the ages.
In 2025, Fernando led Indiana to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten championship, and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards, led the nation with 33 touchdown passes, and limited mistakes with just six interceptions.
He also added six rushing scores, directing an offense that shattered long-standing program records and elevated Indiana into national title contention.
Off the field, Fernando has matched his on-field excellence with purpose. Inspired by his mother’s MS battle, he helped launch fundraisers that have raised more than $150,000 for multiple sclerosis research and support services.