It's been quite the year for Fernando Mendoza.
The Hoosier quarterback made history earlier this week when he became Indiana's first No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft since 1938. He also completed the quarterback trifecta of winning the Heisman Trophy, winning a National Championship, and going No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in the same season. He is just the fourth quarterback in college football history to accomplish that impressive feat.
Mendoza going No. 1 overall wasn't a surprise, as just about everybody everybody saw coming - including his mom. Mendoza has been very open about his close relationship with his mother, Elsa, who is battling multiple sclerosis (MS).
After his name was called, Fernando received a heartfelt message from his mother that is tugging at everyone's heart strings.
Fernando Mendoza gets heartfelt message from his mom after No. 1 overall selection
Mendoza delivered a heartfelt speech about the bond he has with his mom during his Heisman speech in December, and now Elsa has delivered an emotional message to her son following his No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft.
"I am so proud of you. I am so proud of not all the successes on the field, but who you are. You make me so proud. Your kindness, your humility, your faith, I mean I just can't say enough...I am just so proud to be your mom."Elsa Mendoza
An inside look at a wholesome speech given by Elsa Mendoza, mother of #Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) April 25, 2026
“You make me so proud— your kindness, your humity, your faith. I just can't say enough...”
(Via itoniorobinson/IG) pic.twitter.com/WXclwU06o3
Elsa has been by her son's side through the ups and downs of his football career, and was right by his side once again when his name was called on Thursday. With tears in his eyes, she was the first person Fernando turned to when he was officially picked by the Raiders.
Mendoza chose to watch the draft from his home in Miami in order to share the special moment with his family and his mom, as her diagnosis makes traveling extremely difficult. It was a memorable moment for the whole family, and one that will not soon be forgotten.
The Mendoza family was in attendance to watch Fernando lead the Hoosiers to a historic National Championship in their home town of Miami in January, and now they have created another lifelong memory being by his side as he watched his NFL Draft dreams come true.
Add us as a preferred source on Google