Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza says God is calling him to use his platform for good

College football’s newest Heisman Trophy winner says he feels called by God to use his platform for something greater, including advocating for multiple sclerosis research after his mother was diagnosed with the disease.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won college football’s top honor Saturday in a ceremony in New York City attended by friends and family, including his mother, Elsa Mendoza, who has become a central part of his story.

Mendoza led his team to an undefeated 12-0 record as the Hoosiers claimed their first Big Ten championship since 1967 and their first No. 1 ranking ever.

Mendoza is the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner.

His mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 18 years ago but didn’t tell Fernando and his young brother Alberto until five years ago when her condition worsened, making it difficult to travel to their football games. Alberto is a backup quarterback for the Hoosiers. 

“My mom doesn’t want for anybody to feel sorry for her because she is a warrior and passionate, but I want to raise that money for people in need,” Mendoza told the Indianapolis Star. “I believe it’s my platform, the reason God put me here, I believe, to help others and help the community. That is a cause [that] really strikes deep in my heart.”  

This year, the Mendoza brothers teamed up with a local Indiana restaurant, BuffaLouie’s, to create a special sandwich – the “Mendoza Bros. Burger” – raising funds for the National MS Society. Separately, Indiana fans showed their support by collecting $30,000 through a social media campaign.

“I see her fighting every single day, and I know there’s no excuse to ever have a bad day,” the Indiana starting quarterback said.

Elsa Mendoza penned an emotional open letter to Fernando last week in The Players’ Tribune, reflecting on their lifelong bond, his perseverance as an athlete, and the way he has walked alongside her through her battle with multiple sclerosis. She praised his character, faith and resilience, saying his accomplishments on the field pale in comparison to the man he has become.

“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,” she wrote. “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. As a person of faith, who leans on God and trusts Him, even when it’s an uneasy road.”

Fernando Mendoza has been vocal about his faith all season, and began his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech Saturday by thanking “God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt the world away.” He was a lightly recruited quarterback out of high school and received only one scholarship offer from a major school, that from California. He started for the Golden Bears before transferring to Indiana during the offseason.

“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you,” Mendoza said during his speech. “I was that kid, too. I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you – and you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.”

He posted a photo on Instagram of him holding the trophy alongside a simple two-word caption: “God Did.”

Indiana plays again on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl against either Oklahoma (10-2) or Alabama (10-3).

Image credit: Fernando Mendoza (Instagram)