History has been made on Saturday night. Moments ago, Fernando Mendoza was officially named as the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and no one can argue with the fact that he deserves this. After the Big Ten title win over Ohio State, we all knew what was coming.
As did his mother Elsa, who has been in his corner through the highs and lows of his college career. Mendoza has also been close with his mother due to her recent health struggles, which she opened up about in a recent letter to her son via The Player's Tribune.
Because of everything this family has gone through, no one, and we mean no one, can blame Mendoza for being so emotional right now. We saw the tears fly after beating Ohio State and more of the same was showcased after his Heisman moment. He also delivered an incredible speech that people are going to be talking about for quite some time.
Fernando Mendoza dedicated his Heisman Trophy honor to his mom in beautiful fashion
"Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine," Mendoza said as tears rolled down his face. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light, you're my why, you're my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage and love, those have been my first playbook and the playbook I'm going to carry by my side throughout my entire life. 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."
Anyone else overcome with emotion right now? Mendoza without question had countless people tearing up across the country, as he made it clear he wouldn't be here without the love and support of his family, with his mom serving as his main motivation.
Elsa has been dealing with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis for 18 years, first keeping it away from her children so that they wouldn't be worried about her. However, she fell extremely ill during the COVID pandemic and she knew she had to open up with her kids about what was going on.
In her letter in The Player's Tribune, Elsa revealed just how hard of a conversation it was, but the support she has shown both Mendoza and his brother Alberto, also on the Indiana football team, has fully been reciprocated. With the entire Mendoza family enjoying the 2025 season, things have only been made better with the superstar quarterback winning the Heisman.
The year is not over, though. The Hoosiers hold the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff and they're dreaming of winning the National Championship. In order for that to happen, Mendoza will need to be at his best and keep silencing the haters. He'll do so as a Heisman winner and someone who is driven by the strength and courage of his mom.