Fernando Mendoza had a unique journey from a 2-star prospect to the favorite to win the Heisman. From struggling to get offers to rejecting a walk-on opportunity at Alabama to play for Cal, the Hoosiers’ QB1 has been driven by more than just on-field success. Now, we know that behind the super competitive and successful demeanor lies a 22-year-old who carries his mother’s will with each pass he throws.

“My mom has a fight against multiple sclerosis, and my mom is my light, my inspiration, my everything,” he revealed on the Heisman Trophy podcast hosted by Chris Huston on November 19. “I probably talk to her about five times a day. And she’s the only reason that I’ve actually gone this far in my football journey. To see her optimistic and positive approach with all that she’s battling has given me no excuse for any complacency throughout my life. Whether it’s academics or football, or just being a good character and a good person.”

Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately a decade ago. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. More than 50% of MS patients report experiencing limitations in their daily activities. Elsa, even after enduring all these problems, has raised two boys she can be extremely proud of. Both Fernando and Alberto work actively in spreading awareness about the illness their mother suffers from. They have transformed their mother’s struggle into a mission that benefits the entire MS community.

“It’s something that is very dear to my brother and my family. And there’s a page on the National MS Society where you’re able to donate to the awareness and research of it. And the society really just helps people for research and people who can’t afford treatments to go and help their multiple sclerosis,” Mendoza continued.

Last year, they launched the “Mendoza Burrito” campaign at La Burrita in Berkeley, setting a $20,000 fundraising goal for the National MS Society. The campaign has raised nearly $24,310 to date, surpassing its target. This year, they expanded their efforts by partnering with BuffaLouie and Gable’s Bagels and have raised the goal to $50,000. The restaurants now offer the “Mendoza Bros. Burger” and “Mendoza Bros. Cubano” bagel sandwiches, respectively. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the National MS Society for research, programs, and services supporting the nearly one million Americans living with the disease. 

Urban Meyer points out Fernando Mendoza’s secret behind success

Meyer, who has coached some of college football’s greatest quarterbacks, discussed the defining trait that separates elite talents from the rest during his appearance on the Triple Option podcast on November 19. The former Ohio State HC watched Tom Brady tear into teammates during New England Patriots practices. Meyer sees that same competitive fire in Mendoza

“It was the competitive atmosphere created not by Belichick but by Tom Brady,” Meyer said. “And that’s the number one quality that I see with your team. You throw a nice bender out. I know a lot of people do that. But your team is so competitive, and that’s why I coached against that sucker sitting to your right there or left, Ingram. What made him a great player, a competitive n-t job. So that’s the number one quality all great players have: competitors,” he added.

Despite being surrounded by all the chatter of a possible Heisman Trophy and NFL scouts circling, Fernando Mendoza refuses to let the praise distract him from the task at hand. When Mark Ingram II told him scouts would love his competitive mentality at the combine, Mendoza didn’t get overly excited. Instead, he dismissed it all as background noise, diverting attention to the immediate future. His humility is evidenced by the numerous times he has praised his teammates and coaching staff instead of basking in the glory alone.