Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza Honors His Mother in Acceptance Speech

Fernando Mendoza, the newly crowned Heisman Trophy winner, delivered an emotional tribute to his mother, Elsa, during his acceptance speech on December 13 in New York City. “Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” he said, tears streaming down his face as he dedicated the prestigious award to her.

As he expressed gratitude to those who supported him, Mendoza's voice quivered when he reached his mother. “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.”

This heartfelt moment underscored the deep bond between Mendoza and his family. Elsa, who is currently battling multiple sclerosis, penned a touching letter to her son for The Players Tribune just days before the ceremony. In her letter, she reflected on Mendoza’s childhood and shared insights from her own 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,” 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.”

Elsa continued to express her pride, calling him “my gentle giant” and “my darling son.” She emphasized her unwavering belief in him, stating, “I believe in you with every part of me.”

Mendoza's victory was historic; he became the first player from Indiana to win the Heisman Trophy, securing 643 first-place votes. In contrast, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia came in second with 189 votes, followed by Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.

In addition to honoring his mother, Mendoza acknowledged his father, two brothers, and grandparents present at the ceremony, expressing gratitude in Spanish for their love and sacrifices throughout the year.

In his inaugural season with the Hoosiers, Mendoza led the team to a perfect 13-0 record and clinched the Big Ten Championship with a narrow 13-10 victory over No. 2 Ohio State on December 6, marking the program's first title since 1967.

He concluded the regular season with impressive stats: 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. As Indiana stands as the nation’s top-ranked team, Mendoza is set to guide them through the College Football Playoff, facing the winner of the No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama matchup in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026.