HeisMendoza! History arrived in Bloomington with a roar as Fernando Mendoza captured Indiana’s first-ever Heisman Trophy. In just two seasons, he helped transform a searching program into a powerhouse that now has the Hoosiers sitting as the No. 1 seed in the CFP. Yet beyond the accolades, what resonated most was Mendoza’s heartfelt tribute to his grandparents, honoring the foundation that shaped his journey.

“Fernando Mendoza spoke in Spanish for his grandparents in his Heisman winning speech ❤️,” reported ESPN.

It clearly shows how deeply he remains connected to his roots, even in a moment of celebration. And what he said in Spanish was truly touching.

“And for my grandparents: Por el amor y sacrificio de mis padres y abuelos, los quiero mucho. De toda mi corazón, de todas mis gracias,” said Mendoza.

Translation: For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you. With all my heart, thank you.

In response, his maternal grandparents, Alberto and Alicia Espinoza, blew kisses and clapped, and it said it all. Undoubtedly, their strong bond and unwavering support throughout Mendoza’s rise made them play a special role in his Heisman moment. However, the reason the IU winner spoke in Spanish is clear.

Of Cuban origin, his family immigrated to the U.S., where Spanish remains their first language. Knowing it would resonate more with them than English, the 22 YO switched to Spanish when addressing them, making the moment even more personal.

But it wasn’t just a tribute to his grandparents; he also delivered a heartwarming tribute to his mom, Elsa, who is battling multiple sclerosis.

“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine… You’re my Why. You’re my biggest supporter,” said Mendoza. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong… 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. I love you.”

With such gratitude and obvious talent, his Heisman speech won plenty of fans’ hearts, who responded with praise for the Indiana QB.

Fernando Mendoza set a standard

Calling Mendoza’s Heisman win “coming out of nowhere” barely scratches the surface. The 22-year-old QB from Miami threw for 2,980 yards and led the nation with 33 TD passes, a new Indiana record. Besides, he became just the third B1G QB since 2000 with three straight games of at least four passing TDs and zero interceptions. With talent like his, the win may have been deserved, but his deep-rooted connections are what truly made the difference.

“There’s something incredibly special about that moment – on the biggest stage of his life, with the whole country watching, he chose to speak in Spanish for his grandparents so they could feel every word in their own language. That’s bigger than football; that’s family, heritage,” wrote one fan.

While his switch to Spanish proudly highlighted his Cuban heritage, his entire speech made sure to thank everyone who helped him reach this point, from head coach Curt Cignetti to his parents, grandparents, younger brother Max, and even his teammate-brother Alberto.

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“Tremendous speech. Guy has a future in politics if football doesn’t work out,” wrote an impressed fan.

Winning the Heisman on the biggest stage, while honoring his roots, is a lesson. Mendoza showed that talent shines brightest when paired with gratitude.

“Mendoza just turned a Heisman moment into a lesson on humility, respect, and the importance of where you come from,” wrote one fan, while another expressed pride, saying, “A proud Cuban-American here watching Mendoza win the Heisman Trophy. Miami proud!”

Finally, a proud fan’s comment shows Mendoza as an inspiration to many Cuban Americans.

“SO PROUD! A Cuban American wins the Heisman! What an accomplishment for every American Cuban growing up.. A Cuban American wins the top spot in college! Perfect English, perfect Spanish. A Christian, and a tough son of a bitch! We’re so proud of you in Miami Fernando!” stated that fan.

We were also touched by this Indiana redshirt junior QB’s heartwarming tribute to his family, heritage, and the important people in his life.