CFP: Why Is Fernando Mendoza's Mom Trending? What Illness Indiana QB's 'Biggest Fan' Suffers From?

Fernando Mendoza is currently in the spotlight for his latest major milestone. He was announced as the 91st winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy on December 13, 2025, becoming Indiana’s first-ever winner of the award. He showed decent gameplay in the January 20, 2026, College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes in his hometown of Miami, Florida. Due to his current form, Fernando is predicted by analysts like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Amid the buzz around the 22-year-old, his mother, Elsa Mendoza, has been leading the headlines. Read to know the reason.

Who is Fernando Mendoza’s mother, Elsa Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza might have inherited his athletic side from his mother, Elsa Mendoza, who was a former women’s tennis player at the University of Miami. Elsa was born and raised in Miami and spent part of her early 20s in Boston. She balanced her academics and extracurriculars effectively, earning two degrees without pursuing a professional sports career. Fernando frequently refers to his mother as his support system, and he made similar comments about her during his 2025 Heisman-winning speech. Calling his mother his “biggest fan” and his life, Fernando said:

“You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my life. You’ve always been my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love, my first playbook, my playbook I’m going to carry on my side my entire life.”

Why is Fernando Mendoza’s mother trending? What makes her the most special part of her son’s life?

Fernando Mendoza’s team, the Indiana Hoosiers, won the 2026 CFP national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes. He was also part of the team, and his talent shone on the field once again. It has put the spotlight on his mother, Elsa Mendoza, and her story of resilience has once again gained traction. Fernando Mendoza’s mother lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. This condition has progressively affected her mobility, leading her to use a wheelchair.

Elsa was diagnosed with the ailment about 18 years ago. Her condition worsened significantly about five years ago after she contracted COVID-19. Fernando and his brother, Alberto, are heavily inspired by their mother’s strength and positive attitude in the face of her unpredictable illness, with Fernando often calling her his “light”. He stated in an interview that his mother’s daily fight with MS was incredibly “inspirational”. It gives him the strength to fight all obstacles that come his way. Else feels the warmth and care of her sons towards her, and in a Players’ Tribune article, she wrote a letter to Fernando, thanking him for his constant support in her fight against MS. She stated:

“You’ve made it so much easier [to live with multiple sclerosis]. And you’ve done that in the sweetest, strongest, most Fernando way possible, by making me feel the exact opposite of embarrassed. You’ve made me feel seen.”

Else shares her warm wishes with her son, Fernando, ahead of the CFP finale. In the same letter, she wrote that she would love him the same no matter what his match’s outcome might be. Her words were like a warm hug, making it feel okay to lose sometimes. Elsa Mendoza shared that she would always remain a proud mother to Fernando. Her exact words were:

“Whether you win the trophy or not, though, and whether you win or lose in the playoffs...if there’s one thought I want to leave you with, it’s this– Your accomplishments will NEVER impact how proud of you I am.”

Fernando Mendoza and his brother raised awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Fernando Mendoza and his brother, Alberto Mendoza, have raised over USD150,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through their Mendoza Brothers’ Fight Against MS campaign. Their fundraising efforts, in honour of their mother, Elsa, rely heavily on community engagement and partnerships with local businesses. They established an online fundraising page through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to accept direct donations from the public. The collected amount will go to research and support organisations for MS.

Leveraging Fernando’s platform as a college football quarterback and 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, they have shared their mother’s story and the impact of MS through media interviews and his Heisman speech, raising significant public awareness for the disease. The Mendoza family also use special menu item partnerships at local restaurants to raise awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

What are your thoughts on Fernando Mendoza’s mom’s resilience and positive attitude in the face of physical troubles? Let us know.

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