Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has captured national attention as he leads Indiana University to a Big Ten title and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. This season, he completed over 71% of his passes for 2,980 yards, contributing an impressive 33 touchdown passes against just six interceptions. Additionally, Mendoza has shown versatility by adding another 240 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. His exceptional performance makes him a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, where he faces stiff competition from notable players such as Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and Julian Sayin from Ohio State.
The path to Mendoza’s current success has been shaped by significant choices, including a pivotal transfer from California to Indiana. According to his mother, Elsa Mendoza, this decision was influenced by his brother’s positive experience under Coach Curt Cignetti at Indiana. In a heartfelt piece for the Players’ Tribune, Elsa reflected on the transfer, stating, “I know how much you cherished your time there… you’re a true ‘Golden Bear,’ with the amazing degree to prove it!”
As Mendoza prepares for the Heisman ceremony, his mother has also opened up about her personal challenges, revealing her battle with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the protective covering of nerves. Elsa disclosed that she received her diagnosis 18 years ago, but initially chose to keep it from her sons. “I was doing fine… and mostly I didn’t want you to worry,” she wrote.
Her health took a turn for the worse a decade later, following a skiing accident that resulted in a broken ankle and knee injury. Elsa explained, “But even after that, I wasn’t quite ready to tell you… It wasn’t until five years ago, when I got Covid, that things started to go downhill in a way where there was no more hiding it.” The ongoing challenges prompted her to have an open discussion with her sons about her condition.
In her letter, Elsa described the difficulty of revealing her diagnosis, stating, “No amount of years could have prepared me for how hard of a conversation it ended up being.” She emphasized the love and support that remain central to their family, assuring her sons, “Your mom has this degenerative disease… but it won’t affect us in the ways that matter. We’ll have each other, and love each other, and be there for each other. I promise.”
What stands out in Elsa’s letter is her admiration for Fernando, not solely as a football player, but as a caring son. She expressed gratitude for his unwavering support throughout her health struggles. “No matter what kind of state I’ve been in, or day I’ve been having — you’ve never once looked away,” she wrote.
As the Heisman ceremony approaches, Mendoza’s story resonates with many, highlighting the intersection of personal and professional challenges. His achievements on the field, combined with his family’s resilience, reflect a journey of dedication and love. With aspirations of potentially becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza stands at a significant crossroads, both personally and professionally, as he prepares to accept the accolades of his remarkable season.
