A son of immigrants, Fernando Mendoza leads with faith and humility
(Editor’s note: This story is a shortened version of the original one that appeared in The Criterion on December 19, 2025.)
By John Shaughnessy
In his brief time in the archdiocese, Fernando Mendoza left his mark in memorable ways.
The star quarterback for Indiana University led his team to an unexpected national championship in college football.
He won the Heisman Trophy—awarded to the best college football player of the year—and became the first player to be selected in the 2026 National Football League draft.
The accomplishments are all part of an amazing American success story for an athlete who is the son and the grandson of Cuban immigrants. And he did it all with a genuine humility, crediting God, his family, his teammates, his coaches and his Catholic faith for making a difference in his life.
His Heisman Trophy acceptance speech was an all-inclusive thank you to every part of his life, starting with the way he began nearly every post-game interview this past season.
“First, I want to thank God for giving me an opportunity that once felt a world away,” said Mendoza, who often attended Mass at St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington.
Seconds later, he added, “This moment is an honor. It’s bigger than me. It’s a product of a family, team, community and a whole lot of people who believed in me long before anybody knew my name.”
Getting more emotional with each thank-you, he spoke with love about his IU teammates and coaches. He also saluted his teammates and coaches at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, a private Catholic college-preparatory high school.
Turning to the impact of his family, the emotion poured from him as he talked about his mother, who has endured multiple sclerosis.
“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” he said. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why and biggest supporter. Courage, love—those have been my first playbook and the playbook that I carry at my side through my entire life.
“You tell me 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. Together, you and I, are defying what people think is possible. I love you.”
He next offered heartfelt words to his father.
“Papi, thank you for grounding me. Thank you for holding me accountable when it was tough. Thank you for reminding me that talent means nothing without discipline, without consistency. … You personified commitment. You picked all of us up whenever we needed it most.”
Mendoza then shared a touching salute in Spanish to his parents and grandparents.
“Por el amor y sacrificio de mis padres y abuelos, los quiero mucho. De toda mi corazon, de toda gracias.” (“For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you. With all my heart, thank you.”)
With his family living one version of the American dream, Mendoza ended his speech with a message to young people about the path to making a dream come true.
“You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you and your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.” †
Related: Indiana’s Catholics reflect American spirit of courage and sacrifice