Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza gave a heartfelt tribute to his mom, Elsa, while giving his acceptance speech after earning the prestigious award.
“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said through tears while dedicating the esteemed honor to Elsa at the award ceremony on Saturday, December 13, in New York City. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my ‘why,’ you’re my biggest supporter.”
After he was announced as the winner, Mendoza went through his checklist of people to thank. When he got to his mom, he immediately began to get emotional.
“Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook and that playbook that I’m going to carry by my side for my entire life,” he continued. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.”
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The sweet moment highlighted Mendoza’s strong relationship with his mom — and his entire family.
Elsa, who is battling multiple sclerosis, wrote a heartwarming letter to her son for The Players Tribune on Thursday, December 11, sharing stories from Mendoza’s childhood, as well as providing insight from her struggles with MS.
“You are already everything I could have hoped for as a mother…. and that has nothing to do with the miles you throw or the touchdowns you score,” Elsa wrote in the letter. “It has everything to do with the man you’ve grown into. As an oldest brother who shows the way. As a hard worker who has an unstoppable spirit. As a Cuban American athlete who represents his community. As a leader who lifts up, and lends kindness, even when no one is looking.”
She continued, “You have a future that’s so bright and a heart that’s so full. My gentle giant. My darling son. My buddy. My teammate. I believe in you with every part of me.”
Mendoza won the award in a landslide to become the first Indiana player to earn the recognition after securing 643 first place votes.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second with 189 first place votes, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love earned 46 first place votes and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin got eight votes.
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In addition to thanking his mom, Mendoza thanked his dad, two brothers and even his grandparents who were in attendance — speaking to them in their native language of Spanish, thanking them for their love and sacrifices throughout the year.
In his first year with the team, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an unblemished 13-0 record and, with a 13-10 win over No. 2 Ohio State on December 6, its first Big Ten Championship since 1967.
He finished the regular season with 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
With the Hoosiers currently sitting as the nation’s No. 1 team, Mendoza will continue to lead Indiana through the College Football Playoff, playing the winner of the No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama matchup in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026.