Humility. That’s a word that keeps popping up around Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. He spoke about carrying his Heisman Trophy with humility on the biggest stage, and in a new fan interaction, the Indiana quarterback demonstrated that those words weren’t for show. Even at the peak of success, Mendoza remains beautifully grounded.

During Super Bowl LX on Radio Row, the player met a special Indiana fan, Giovanni Hamilton. The fan lives with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects muscles and bones. He has had about 30 surgeries because of his condition. But when Mendoza finally met him, the interaction only intrigued the fan in Hamilton.

“I appreciate you giving us a little love right there. Gio is my man,” said Mendoza, as captured by The Giovanni Show Podcast on Saturday.

“I’m going to be there when you get drafted,” Gio said. “I can’t wait.”

“I’ll see you there,” Mendoza responded to Gio, but the fan’s excitement was not without a reason.

According to ESPN’s draft projections, the quarterback is emerging as the frontrunner to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Adding another layer of intrigue, Raiders majority owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, and general manager John Spytek all attended the Hoosiers’ game against Miami in the CFP National Championship.

So, Gio’s excitement as a fan is palpable. He appeared as a member of the media at the 2026 Super Bowl. But this isn’t the first time for the IU fan. In 2025, he covered Super Bowl LIX. While his media credentials are new, his presence is truly special because of the resilience he shows in prioritizing life over his personal struggles, which involve undergoing multiple surgeries at a young age.

After that, standing tall with this confidence isn’t easy. But Gio made that moment happen, and Mendoza’s appreciation only amplified how much it mattered.

Gio lives for football. Back in 2020, he went viral after posting a heartfelt “get well” message for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott following his devastating leg injury: a compound fracture in his right ankle. Being an Eagles fan, he showed empathy to a rival. That alone turned heads, and the video exploded to 1.7 million views. Eventually, it reached Prescott himself.

“He DM’d me and thanked me,” said Gio. “It meant a lot to me because I can relate to what Dak is going through.”

That moment captured who Gio is. Now these two, Mendoza and Gio, have a chance to meet again between April 23 and 25 during the 2026 draft selection. That will come in time, but Gio’s story of navigating through and overcoming his struggles is truly remarkable.

The Indiana fan’s inspiring story

As Gio lives with SJS, his perspective comes from a life shaped by resilience. Since age two, he has undergone surgeries on his eyes, jaw, hips, and more. Even at one point, he had to relearn walking. Despite that level of pain, Gio was never afraid to dream big, and football became his escape.

“Football helps me through everything,” said Gio in 2020.

During recoveries, he studied film, formulated plays, and talked ball. Most importantly, the game gave him focus and hope. He balances school, surgeries, and media appearances, and now he hosts his own podcast. He even has a goal of one day becoming the Eagles’ head coach. That spirit has rallied Eagles Nation around him. From an emotional meeting with Carson Wentz at training camp to fans donating tickets so he could attend games, Gio has become family in Philly.

“Eagles fans are the best fans,” said his mother, Shannon, in 2020. “They understand the spot that we’re in, and they want to get him there because he loves it so much, and we really, really appreciate it.”

Moving to Indiana also played a key role in Gio’s emotional growth, as it allowed him to connect with and form strong friendships with other children facing similar challenges.

“This is the reason God had my dad level up his career here in Indy!!” Gio mentioned in 2025.

Gio could become a pathfinder for many who are struggling with this rare condition in life. Here’s wishing the IU fan achieves more in life.