What Did Fernando Mendoza Say About Mom Elsa During Historic Heisman Trophy Speech?

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza made sure to shout out mom Elsa after winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.

"You taught me that toughness doesn't need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong," he said on the stage. "It's choosing hope. It's believing in yourself when the world doesn't give you much reason to."

Elsa Mendoza played an instrumental role in her son's career. She helped teach Fernando how to throw a football and encouraged him when his scholarship offers out of high school were limited. Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis, also provided an example of strength and resilience.

Days before the Heisman ceremony, she wrote a letter to Fernando in The Players' Tribune reflecting on his journey to this point and the pride she has felt in watching him grow up.

Elsa quipped how she preferred him to follow in her footsteps in tennis.

"Sometimes you'll try to credit me with teaching you how to throw, but that's you being kind as usual. The truth is, it was more like an accident … from me being selfish," she said. "My dream was for you to play tennis like I did. And at UM there was this drill they'd run us through, where we'd practice throwing a ball across the net, to work on our serve. 'Step and throw, step and throw.' So that's what I'd tell you and Alberto! And now of course every quarterback coach jokes with me, 'That's the WORST thing you could have told them.' But you made it work :)"

Elsa also discussed the difficulty she had in telling her children about her multiple sclerosis. She credited Fernando with easing the emotional and mental toll of the neurological disorder.

"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," she said. "Whether it was giving me full debriefs of your college visits, what you liked and disliked (pictures included) … or it was calling me before some big game I had to miss while in treatment … or it's being so vocal and passionate about MS fundraising … or it's even something as silly as joking, "Wait, did you put on a few pounds???" when you have to carry me up the stairs … you've always kept that same spark in your eye."

Elsa Mendoza was on hand in New York City to watch Fernando lift the Heisman Trophy. In due time, maybe she'll witness him carrying a national championship too.