> At a Glance
> – Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in December 2025 and dedicated it to his mother, Elsa
> – Elsa has lived with multiple sclerosis for 18 years; Fernando and brother Alberto have raised $100,000 for MS research
> – The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback led the team to a Rose Bowl victory on January 1, 2026
> – Why it matters: The story highlights how a family’s resilience and a mother’s quiet strength fueled college football’s biggest star
Fernando Mendoza’s rise to Heisman glory is rooted in family, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond with his mother, Elsa, who has battled multiple sclerosis since her sons were toddlers.
The Heisman Moment
On December 13, 2025, Fernando Mendoza accepted the Heisman Trophy with tears in his eyes. He immediately dedicated the award to his mother, calling her his “biggest supporter” and “light.”
> Fernando Mendoza said:
> “Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why, you’re my biggest supporter.”
He also thanked his father, Fernando Sr., for instilling discipline and consistency throughout his journey.
Family Roots and Athletic Legacy
Fernando grew up in Miami alongside brothers Alberto and Max. Both parents were college athletes:
- Fernando Sr. rowed at Brown University and won gold at the 1987 Junior World Championships
- Elsa played tennis at the University of Miami
The couple moved to Boston in their early 20s, where Elsa gave birth to Fernando at age 25. They later returned to Miami, where all three boys attended Christopher Columbus High School.
Brothers on the Field
Alberto Mendoza, two years younger, joined Fernando at Indiana University and serves as the backup quarterback. In 2025, they became the first brothers in a decade to throw touchdown passes in the same game.
> Dave Dunn, their high school coach, said:
> “There’s a deep love, but also a competitive fire that makes both better.”
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Elsa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 18 years ago but kept it hidden until 2020 when her mobility declined.
> Elsa Mendoza wrote:
> “I didn’t want you to worry… No amount of years could have prepared me for how hard of a conversation it ended up being.”
Fernando and Alberto responded by launching fundraisers for the National MS Society, raising $100,000 by January 2026. They’ve also partnered with restaurants to donate proceeds to MS research.
Key Takeaways
- Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a Rose Bowl win
- His mother Elsa has battled MS for 18 years; her strength inspired his success
- Brothers Fernando and Alberto have raised $100,000 for MS awareness
- The Mendoza family remains tightly bonded through football and advocacy
From the sidelines to the trophy stage, Fernando Mendoza carries his mother’s quiet strength with every snap.
